Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, São Vicente, but also in Funchal and Santa Cruz, there were dozens of occurrences during the night, due to the passage of a rain front, but above all due to the cyclonic wind that ravaged the island at 03:00 this morning.
In Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, in addition to a power outage that was quickly restored, firefighters then had to contend with damage to their fire station, including flooding and broken windows.
Emergency crews were dispatched to deal with localised flooding, damaged and dislodged roofing tiles, fallen branches, and debris blocking roads. So far, no personal injuries have been reported, though there has been damage to vehicles.
In Calheta, the Volunteer Firefighters were also called to clear roads from fallen trees, and the Expressway in the Raposeira area was closed, as well as the Regional Road 222.
In Porto Moniz, especially, but also in São Vicente, volunteer firefighters mainly responded to falling trees and telegraph poles on the road.
Santa Cruz was quite badly affected due to the intense winds recorded.
In Funchal, both the Firefighters and the Madeiran Volunteers responded to various situations, almost all related to falling trees or branches. The BVM was called at 3:45, 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 to cut trees on Rua da Carreira, Avenida Arriaga, Rua Conde Canavial, and Estrada do Curral dos Romeiros.
There are also fallen trees on Avenida das Madalenas and countless small cases of damage to homes and public infrastructure.
Reports of more damage are likely as the day progresses.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
