Following the big natural disaster that happened in Madeira some days ago, we would like to express our solidarity with the people in suffer and pain for what happened.

Torrential rains, high winds and high seas have caused the death of around 50 people and the disappearance of another dozen. Hundreds of people lost their home and all they had in their lives. Infrastructures, commerce and services are completely destroyed in some parts of the island. 

This situation urges that the European Union quickly demonstrate its solidarity and put natural catastrophe funds available. Special measures should be immediately put in place through specific, urgent and additional financial assistance to the Autonomous Region of Madeira and to the populations affected.

Madeira always has lived from tourism benefits, but its future is now in danger. Many people are canceling booked holidays to Madeira. Madeira’s population hopes that the solidarity trough tourism can help to rebuild the island. The Flower Festival will still be going ahead as planned in April. Madeira, has been known as the “floating garden”, fertile and tropical place, beautiful landscape, balmy breezes, and dolphins, whales and sea turtles.