Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message of sadness to the island of Madeira following the floods that hit on Saturday.

At least 40 people are feared dead on the island where Ronaldo was born and raised and the footballer wasted no time in sending his consolations.

"It is a huge catastrophe and a tragedy without precedent," he said in a message posted on the official Real Madrid website this Sunday.

"Nobody can be indifferent when there is a tragedy of this magnitude and even more so in my case. I was born and grew up on that island, that gave me so much," said Ronaldo, who added he was willing to help in any way he could.

"I want to say that I am available for that in any way that is possible, I can help the organizations and official bodies to try and minimize the suffering and help people get over the affects of this tragedy as soon as possible," he added.