Morning all.
I will try to keep all of today's news updates on this one post, So you will have to keep checking back on this post during the day.
The fires of Madeira made the BBC Worlds News last night.
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It is believed that maybe 3 people have died in the fires in the Pena area of Funchal.
1 is confirmed to be an elderly woman who was bed ridden when her home was taken by fire, and still waiting for confirmation of possibly 2 more victims.
This has now been confirmed that 3 people died in this area of Pena on Rua Silvestre Quintino de Freitas
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Choupana Hills the popular hotel resort in the high area of Funchal with the same name, was totally taken by fire during the night.
A photo of the now Choupana Hills Resort.
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| Diario fromt page Fire from top to bottom. ================================================================================== The centre of Funchal remains closed, the president want no one to go into work in the centre of Funchal while fire and other emergency services are doing their job. ================================================================ |
Calheta has woken this morning to several fires in the high areas. Fire crews are at the scene.
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A blog reader has sent me this information.
A friend of mine who lives at Madeira has told me, that the orchid gardens of Quinta dos Saltos and also the „Jardim Orchidea“ at Monte are destroyed by fire.
(this is still not confirmed)
TAP has announced to do some special flights by larger A 330 to bring the waiting passsengers to Lisbon.
Just at this moment the first one is on approach to FNC (see attached picture)
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Some photos of the fire damage in Funchal last night where 3 people lost their lives.
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A Go Fund Site has been set up by Richard Griffin who lives on the island of Guernsey and has many Madeiran friends living over there, and they want to help raise some money for the charities on Madeira.
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Madeira in the News
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A large fire has started at São João Latrão near the Campo Nacional.
The fire is is getting larger at alarming proportions, and a house near by has already been evacuated.
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Help Needed
Items are presently being collected for people who have lost their homes. This will be Collected In conjunction with the English Church in Funchal Clothing is in plentiful supply and they are always very grateful for it, but what they really need is UNDERWEAR. Big knickers...old lady drawers. Old men y-fronts....preferably unworn and without stains.lol.lol.lol.🙂 It's the one thing that never gets donated. So if you can just take the time to go out and buy a pair of knickers for some OAPs and post to Madeira, it would be very much appreciated. For the address to send to, please message me, and for those presently on the island a drop in collection at the park opposite the Ritz in Funchal on a Tuesday, can be organised. Also, new socks and vests are very much appreciated .
If you can help in anyway please email Janice at tootspemberton@yahoo.co.uk
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Following the fires in Calheta, at present there are huge concerns with the local business park. This is because the flames are over 50 meters high at Engenho Novo Madeira, where 200,000 litres of Madeira rum is stored.
People have said this is a bomb waiting to go off and hope firefighters can get it under control before that happens.
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More Troops have arrived the Airforce and National Guard from Lisbon.
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New fires broke out above Canico in Eires, and spread towards Camacha, also fire was reported to be spreading up on Paul do Serra, with the road being closed.
Also a fire in Santa Cruz in the zone Carreiras was being dealt with by firefighters.
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The silence from Cristiano Ronaldo on the news in Madeira has upset many, and they are questioning the star on his official CR7 social pages about the situation.
Madeira is news all over the world, but the footballer born in San Antonio and millions of fans on social networks around the world, has not yet made any comment on the tragedy. Maybe its time to rethink the Airport Name.However, the mother Dolores Aveiro and sister Katia Aveiro have published regret reactions and solidarity for what happened
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Some areas in Quinta Grande (Camara de Lobos) have been without water since Saturday. THe tanks are empty, and a fire truck which was helping with water, but since returned to Funchal and has not returned.
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An image from Nasa shows the extent of the Smoke from Madeira.
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The suspect who is thought to have started the fire in Sao Roque Funchal is in court, and has been told to expect the maximum of 25 years in jail.
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Cristiano Ronaldo phoned this afternoon the President of the Madeira Regional Government to provide solidarity to the people of Madeira and to wish a speedy recovery of losses suffered.
According to the Diario the Madeiran Footballer spoke directly with Miguel Albuquerque, probably feeling a bit guilty after seeing the news that people are upset with his silence, especially after he was only in Madeira 2 weeks ago, to open his new hotel.
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An absolute tragedy. Devastating for the island that has surely suffered enough in the past few years, what with the major flooding with huge loss of life in 2010 and then the fires in July 2012. These latest fires have destroyed lives yet again and caused unthinkable chaos and destruction to huge areas of this beautiful place and its people, flora and fauna. So very sad.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with the People affected by the Fires. We saw the devastation caused after the floods there. Hope this beautiful Island gets all the help it needs. God bless you all.
DeleteWe were staying in a lovely villa in Arco Da Calheta, lost power yesterday at 9pm, monitored situation overnight and decided to leave this morning as fire coming down the hillside 200m away. Have booked flights home after two days, I really feel for the island, the fires are out of control.
ReplyDeletehi there... i have been looking for a mao as to where the fires are at the moment (rather stay away from the "hot spots") .. is there a website with a map somewhere? thanks
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that Tom. I hope it hasn't put you off Madeira, and you return one day soon.
ReplyDeleteThe areas to avoid are really Funchal and the high areas of Ponta do Sol and Calheta. If you want to travel out go East towards Caniço de Baixo. Or Santa Cruz. Plus any of the North is ok.
Hi could you tell us the situation regarding Faja da Overlha. We are based there in a appartment for our holidays. Thanks in advance
DeleteGood Morning I'm based in London with a lot of family in the funchal area. Thank God they are safe. I would like to try and raise some money for those families that have lost everything. Do you know of any reputable charities in Madeira that will need extra support. Thanks
ReplyDeleteCaritas are a very good charity and they are currently asking for goods to make up packages for those made homeless. Try contacting them first, also you have Banco Alimentar and not being funny I'm sure places such as Animad and other animal charities will need help.
DeleteSeems a second suspected arsonist has now been arrested for starting the fire at the Quinta do Imperador. What totally mindless stupidity. This was the problem in 2012, when a host of arsonists were setting light to locations across the island, making it impossible for the fire services to get to each area to fight the fires before they got out of control. A life sentence in prison would be too lenient for these individuals - bring back the noose for them.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for all the propke of Madeira We fly to Madeira tomorrow Thursday. We will stay very close to "Forum Madeira" in Funchal. Is this area affected or likely to be affected? Should we cancel our trip? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm in UK, but know Madeira well. From what I can gather from reports, your location is well away from the location of the fires.
DeleteThank you, that is reassuring.
DeleteI am here in Madeira just now near to where you are going to be staying. I am half way from the centre of Funchal to where you are going to. Yesterday was quite bad with lots of smoke in the air and today lots of ash dropping down. Hasn't stopped our holiday just not risking going into central town where even local people have been asked to stay away. Feel so sorry for the islanders though. Would check with your holiday company to see what they say though.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The travel company say that the fire is north of Funchal and hotels not affected. I am worried though. Very sad for the people who live n Madeira after all it is just a holiday for us. Thanks again.
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DeleteI'm in Madeira know and if I were you, I would cancel my trip. Fire is spreading and you can't be fully relaxed whrn you knoe there are people fighting againts big fires near you
DeleteJust seen the news, am absolutely devastated, Madeira is like my second home having been to the island many times. Am due to come for two weeks at end of August which I have been so looking forward to, to see the devastation is heart breaking x
ReplyDeleteThis is so devastating and only broke the news here in the UK this morning. We are travelling to Funchal this coming Monday for 2 week holiday to a hotel to the south west of Funchal. I can only imagine the horrors that the islanders are going through. Let's hope this situation is placed under control as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteWe come to Madeira every year and are flying out on Sunday, what can we bring in our luggage to help people and where should we drop it on arrival?
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel. Contact Janice and I am sure she will arrange a collection.
Deletetootspemberton@yahoo.co.uk
Thanks Tobi,
DeleteI will do, bless Madeira, it is where my mother met my stepfather and where I have taken my children for years after a horrible divorce. I know so many good people there and am happy to say they are safe but will be looking forward to giving them all big hugs,
Kind regards,
Rachel
Hello All.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say a big thank you for all the comments on my blog in the last 2 days, and I have also received in excess or 70 emails thanking me for the updates and looking for advise.
I will say Madeira is totally safe to come to, the worst of the fires seem to be over, and the smoke should clear in the next day.
Madeira as a rule recovers very quickly for disasters like this.
So i hope you really enjoy your holidays, and fall in love with Madeira like many others do.
Tobi.
God bless all the wonderful people of Madeira and keep you safe especially the brave firefighters.I love Madeira and have many friends there all of whom are safe and well thank goodness. It is heart-breaking to see so many places I know well being engulfed in flames especially knowing that it is all because of the vile actions of one or maybe more arsonists and I hope with all my heart it will end soon and punishment will be very severe. Toby you are doing a wonderful job of keeping us updated especially as you are not in Madeira at the moment and dealing with your own situation at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI have just returned from Funchal. Are the fires out now or more under control? It is a terrible thing to have happened to such a lovely island I was concerned for all the people who live there.
ReplyDeleteANYONE COMING TO MADEIRA OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I HAVE JUST MADE A NEW BLOG POST AND I HOPE THIS REASSURES YOU ALL. I HAVE PUT THIS IN CAPITAL LETTERS TO STAND OUT. I AM NOT SHOUTING AT YOU ALL. :-) Anyone who has commented on my blog, if you email me I will send you my 50 things to see and do in Madeira. Just put 50 things in the email subject
ReplyDeleteHi, we are coming to Madeira on the 14th of September, we have been following the limited news and your blog on recent events. I have to agree with earlier comments re low coverage due to Olympic news. We are somewhat concerned about coming as we have tried in vain to contact the hotel we are staying at in the city centre. I am assuming things are slowly getting back to normal and most things are open and business as usual.
ReplyDeleteAny info you have would be helpful.
Hi. Everything is back to normal and no worry for tourists coming to visit. Which hotel are you staying in. You can email me and I can give you more info
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