British woman swept to death in Madeira

A BRITISH woman was among at least 42 people killed by floods and mudslides in Madeira, it was confirmed today.

The victim – named as 50-year-old Pamela Gaines from Garton on the Wolds in East Yorkshire – was apparently swept away in Funchal, Madeira’s capital city, when the taxi she and husband George were in was engulfed by water.

Mr Gaines is said to have received minor injuries, along with another couple in the car, but the taxi driver was also reportedly swept to his death.

The Foreign Office said: “We can confirm one British woman has died. Next of kin have been informed.”

More than 120 people have been injured by the flooding which started in Madeira after heavy rainfall on Saturday.