Brussels 24/02/10

The GUE/NGL Group expresses its deep condolences for the loss of human life and its wholehearted sympathy to the families of the victims of this terrible catastrophe that has affected Funchal and other municipalities of the southern part of Madeira Island (Portugal). 

Torrential rains, high winds and high seas have caused the death and the disappearance of many people and destroyed strategic infrastructure and essential equipment, putting the operation of vital public services at stake.  

This catastrophe has also destroyed farms, damaged small businesses and a large number of homes, hitting the population of this outermost region hard. 

This terrible situation demands that the European Union quickly demonstrate its full solidarity.The scale of this catastrophe requires the implementation of special measures that must be immediately put in place through specific, urgent and additional financial assistance to the Autonomous Region of Madeira and to the populations affected by this catastrophe.