A small tribute to the island of Madeira, and its capital Funchal in particular, after the tragic floods and mudslides of two days ago. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and with all the islanders.


BELOW IS THE CAPTION I PUT ON THIS IMAGE IN MY FUNCHAL GALLERY, IN APRIL 2008.
The three rivers that divide Funchal are covered with netting to support trailing shrubs, and are enclosed by high embankments to prevent the fierce flash floods that tore down the mountains and caused loss of life in days gone by. Little more than streams when we were there, but 2 weeks before had been raging torrents for 3 days when Madeira experienced their worst storm for 50 years.