Today marks 70 years since one of the largest natural disasters recorded in Madeira in the 20th century. On 3 November 1956, a violent flash flood struck the parishes of Machico, Porto da Cruz, Água de Pena, Santo da Serra and Santa Cruz, killing six people and causing widespread destruction.
Rivers overflowed, carrying stones, mud, animals and buildings with them. Roads and bridges were cut off, isolating several villages and hindering both the escape of residents and the arrival of rescue teams.
The tragedy triggered a strong wave of solidarity, with donations from religious institutions, the Red Cross and local and foreign groups. The state built temporary bridges and 25 homes in Machico for fishermen who had lost theirs.
