Western Europe storms

Storms have dashed parts of Portugal, Spain and France, about 45 people have been killed. Winds of about 87mph, moving from Portugal up through the Biscay Bay caused destruction.

The areas of Germany and Belgium have been put on high alert for heavy rain and high winds. Regions on Western coast of France like Charente- Mritime and Vendee are drastically affected.

President Nicolas Sarkozy will make a visit to the storm stricken areas today and stated that the flood prevention measures would be strengthened.

Xynthia, the storm system has put five French departments on red alert. More than millions have lost electricity and it would take several days to restore the power.

The French Meteorological service stated that Spain’s Canary Islands , mainly, La Palma and Gran Canaria were also hit by storm but without causing any great damage. Officials have declared the devastation a National Disaster.

Source:24masti.com

Portugal Sends Aid To Island Hit By Landslides

Portuguese authorities say they are flying out emergency aid to the island of Madeira where at least 32 people have been killed and dozens injured after heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides.
The civil protection agency says a medical team backed up by divers and rescue experts will fly to the tourist destination in the Atlantic Ocean aboard a C-130 transport plane.
The statement says the plane is scheduled to fly out 0900 GMT (4 a.m. EST) Sunday and will also carry telecommunications equipment to help repair damage. Phones lines were knocked out.
Authorities say the storm that hit the island Saturday has also displaced 250 people. Authorities says the storm was the worst to hit the island since 1993.

Source:npr.org/

Portugal flies out aid to Madeira flood victims

MADRID (AP) - Portuguese authorities say they are flying out aid to the island of Madeira where at least 32 people have died after heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides.

The national authority for civil protection said in a statement that a medical team backed up by divers and rescue experts is set to fly to the popular tourist destination archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean aboard a C-130 transport.

According to the statement, the plane is scheduled to fly out 09:00 GMT Sunday and is to also carry telecommunications equipment to help repair damage.

Authorities say the storm that hit the island Saturday has left at least 32 dead and 68 injured with around 250 persons displaced.

The statement said the storm was the worst to hit the island since 1993.

Source:todayonline.com/

Portugal sends aid to island hit by landslides

MADRID -- Portuguese authorities say they are flying out emergency aid to the island of Madeira where at least 32 people have been killed and dozens injured after heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides.

The civil protection agency says a medical team backed up by divers and rescue experts will fly to the tourist destination in the Atlantic Ocean aboard a C-130 transport plane.

The statement says the plane is scheduled to fly out 0900 GMT (4 a.m. EST) Sunday and will also carry telecommunications equipment to help repair damage. Phones lines were knocked out.

Authorities say the storm that hit the island Saturday has also displaced 250 people. Authorities says the storm was the worst to hit the island since 1993.


Source:washingtonpost.com/