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AN IDYLLIC holiday trip fast became a nightmare for two local travel agents when devastating floods swept across the Portuguese holiday island of Madeira. 

Well known businessmen Brian Gillespie, of Bangor´s Oasis Travel, and Alan Couser, of  Orr´s Travel, Holywood, were staying in a hotel just a short distance from the island´s capital city Funchal.

The two men had been travelling with a group of travel agents from across Northern Ireland, when the freak storms hit the popular holiday island last Saturday (20th). 

The Spectator understands the death toll is feared to have risen to over 70 persons, after torrents of muddy water coursed through the streets of the capital city.

The Portuguese island of Madeira lies more than 900km from mainland Europe and although it has been hit by floods in past, these storms were believed to be the worst for 17 years.  

It is understood the Portuguese military sent in specialist rescue teams after floods swept away cars and tore down houses as the storm hit early on Saturday morning. Roads were also blocked by fallen trees and bridges collapsed.

Speaking to the Spectator this week, Mr Gillespie recalled how he and his friend had enjoyed a round of golf the day before the terrifying storms swept across the island.

He said, "We had some free time and played some golf on Friday, and it was a lovely temperature. There was a bit of damage on the golf course from previous winds and storms, but nothing too serious."

The well known travel agent said he had been keen to holiday on the picturesque island, having only visited briefly during a previous cruise.
However floods and mudslides wreaked havoc as torrential rains battered the island.

Mr Gillespie said, "On Friday night, the early hours of Saturday morning, the rain started and it became heavier and heavier. Our hotel was just up the road from Funchal. We were advised to stay indoors and we could see the damage to the street."

After the storms abated, the two friends walked through the devastated city´s streets which had hosted a colourful carnival earlier in their stay.