Storms – We Need to be Better Prepared

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

The Representative of the Republic for the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Ireneu Barreto, underlined the growing need to respond to extreme weather events during his meeting with the Permanent Specialised Committee on Environment, Climate and Natural Resources of the Assembly of the Republic.

In his speech, Ireneu Barreto said that an in-depth study was carried out in several areas of the Region, identifying places where interventions have taken place and recognising the effort needed to meet the current, increasingly rigorous requirements. “Today, the rules are more demanding because extreme phenomena are increasingly frequent and more serious,” he said.

The Representative of the Republic recalled that Madeira has already been the scene of a “major incident” associated with adverse weather conditions and stressed that, every year, the Region is affected by heavy rain and other adverse weather, which sometimes cause significant damage. “We need to reflect on the changes to the climate and the effect it has on us.”

The Representative of the Republic acknowledged that these are complex situations, not always easy to face, but stressed the prompt and responsible response of the competent authorities, including the parliamentary committees that travel to Madeira.

Underlining the need for a closer and more attentive presence of the Republic in the Region, he pointed to the essential role played, especially in terms of prevention. “We have to act not only in responding to floods, but also in preventing these situations, mitigating their effects whenever possible.”

Finally, Ireneu Barreto recognised the contribution of the commissions to the future of the country and expressed the desire to build more resilient cities. “We cannot completely avoid these phenomena that affect us, but we can, with care, preparation and responsibility, reduce their impacts. That is my desire, that is my hope,” he declared.

A recent Portuguese study indicated that prolific construction without the creation of green spaces for the earth to breathe, capture, retain and absorb water are some of the fundamental reasons for city flooding, damage to property and life-threatening consequences.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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