No Filipino victim in Portugal floods - DFA

There was no Filipino casualty in the flash floods and mudslides that swept Madeira Island in Portugal last February 20, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday. Citing a report from Philippine Ambassador to Lisbon Teresa Barsana, the DFA said there is no record of Filipinos living in the Madeira area. “Nevertheless, if there are Filipinos who are in need of assistance, the Embassy is ready to help them," Barsana said in an article on the DFA Web site. The DFA also cited reports from Philippine honorary consul Manuel Pinhiero that no Filipino has so far asked for assistance due to the floods. The DFA cited news reports showing the death toll from the flash floods and mudslides on Madeira Island continued to rise, with officials saying at least 42 people had died. At least eight villages remained out of reach as of February 21. Portuguese authorities began rushing aid to the tourist island off the African coast Saturday night, dispatching a Navy frigate and preparing a Hercules C-130 transport plane loaded with rescue teams, divers, and equipment to clear blocked roads, replace destroyed bridges, and repair downed power and telephone lines. Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates flew to the Madeira, about 900 kilometers southwest of the Portuguese mainland, late Saturday to meet with regional government officials, pledging Lisbon’s full support. - KBK, GMANews.TV