Emergency rescue teams and Portuguese Navy ships carrying aid are on their way to the island of Madeira where floods have killed 32 people.

Another 68 people have been injured in the worst storms to hit the Portuguese island since 1993.

Torrential rains have washed away bridges, destroyed homes and cut off power, slowing down the rescue effort.

One of the worst affected areas is capital city Funchal, where streets have been hit by torrents of mud, carrying overturned cars, uprooted trees and other debris. Houses have been damaged and residents in the lower part of the city are being evacuated.

Prayers were said by Christians in Jersey for the people of Funchal, according to the BBC. The Channel island's capital has a twinning agreement with the island's capital St Helier.

British holidaymakers at the popular tourist destination are being told to remain indoors, as officials fear the death toll could rise further.

The Portuguese government is considering seeking emergency assistance from the European Union.