Dozens Killed in Portugal Flooding

Flooding and landslides have killed at least 32 people on the Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira. The local authority says another 68 people have been hospitalized in the island's main city, Funchal.

According to CCTV, floods tore down houses as the storm hit early on Saturday. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and rocks carried away by flood waters. Some bridges were also downed and phone lines were knocked out.

Emergency rescue services had to appeal over local radio stations for off-duty doctors and nurses to report for duty. The local authority called in employees to operate bulldozers to clear roads and remove debris.

It has also appealed for emergency aid from the European Union. Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates promised help would be sent from the Portuguese mainland.