STORMS, FLOODS: THE WATER WAR

Tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions

An episode from the series THE EARTH'S WRATHS

Synopsis

The island of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, woke up on Sunday, February 21, 2010, under tons of mud and rubble, the day after torrential rains killed at least 42 people and injured over 300.

On that Sunday morning, the rain had finally stopped, leaving scenes of desolation in Funchal, the capital, particularly affected by the disaster.

Rescue workers began clearing away the debris in the lower part of the city, which is located on the seafront and where tourist complexes and luxury hotels stretch for miles.