SÉ CLOCK AND CRISTO REI IN MADEIRA UNDER CONSTRUCTION DUE TO STORM DAMAGE

The clock of the Funchal Cathedral and the statue of Cristo Rei, in Madeira, will be the target of repair works due to damage caused by the storm that hit the archipelago over the weekend, responsible officials said today.

“There was a spike in voltage that burned all the devices in the tower, whether from the clock or the ringing of the bells,” said the agency Lusa Marco Gonçalves, from the information office of the Diocese of Funchal, pointing out that the damage was estimated at around five thousand euros.

The repair works will take place next week, since the company hired by the diocese has no headquarters in the autonomous region.

“During Holy Week, we will be without time and without a bell at the Cathedral of Funchal”, said Marco Gonçalves.

Regarding the statue of Cristo Rei, located in the parish of Caniço, east of Funchal, the restoration works are in charge of the Municipality of Santa Cruz, which, however, is considering asking for the collaboration of the Regional Government.

A source from the municipality explained that the viewpoint where the statue is located, was hit in the head by lightning during the storm, and is a popular tourist spot, although it is privately owned, and, therefore, should ask the regional executive for support.

The City Council sealed off the surrounding area and requested an inspection of the monument, which is 14 meters high, but does not yet have the data to allow it to proceed with a budget.

On the other hand, you can only start the works after informing the owner in writing and obtaining his consent, a process that is underway.

Last weekend, the archipelago of Madeira was buffeted with heavy rains that reached 290 millimeters per square meter, wind and persistent thunderstorm, causing two general blackouts, several floods, falling rocks, and damage on some roads.

In just 24 hours, more than 20,000 electrical discharges were recorded, a situation considered “abnormal”.

Six families, a total of 21 people, were left homeless.

From Jornal Madeira