Five people were killed and eight reported missing after torrential rainstorms caused widespread flooding and mudslides in north and central Italy, authorities said today.
Thunderstorms lashed parts of Liguria and Tuscany late yesterday, bringing down several bridges and at least one house, cutting off electricity and water, disupting train services and blocking roads.
"Everything is missing here - supplies, water, electricity," said Angelo Betta, mayor of the town of Monterosso in the scenic tourist area of Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast in northwestern Italy.
"People are getting into their houses through the terraces, everything is flooded. Monterosso doesn't exist anymore."
Rescue teams said they were having difficulty reaching some of the flooded areas and people were being evacuated by sea from some towns along the spectacular coast. The army has been put on standby to help in rescue efforts.
The storm front moved south to Rome today, where authorities said the situation was under control despite heavy rain across the Italian capital that caused traffic jams.
Agencies