Four still missing after Madeira floods

Emergency crews were searching today for at least four people still missing after mud and rockslides killed 42 people on the holiday island of Madeira.

Teams with heavy equipment were clearing boulders and earth dislodged by flash floods which swept away people, houses and vehicles on the steep-sloped Portuguese island.

Locals said the weekend storm was the worst in living memory.

Officials said a month’s rain fell on the island in eight hours. More than 120 people were injured.

The Portuguese government is holding a special Cabinet meeting today and is expected to announce three days of national mourning for the victims.

It may also grant financial aid to rebuild Madeira’s wrecked roads and bridges.