Perilous
Times and Climate Change
Flash floods kill at least nine in Italy
* by: From correspondents in Rome
* From: AP
* October 27, 2011 6:17AM
TORRENTIAL rains have lashed Italy from its northern Alps to the
southern island of Sicily, causing flash floods that killed at
least nine people and left six others missing.
The storm that began yesterday spared few areas, but the
northwestern coastal region of Liguria and the central region of
Tuscany were the hardest hit.
Six of the victims were in Borghetto Vara, a village in Liguria
known for its grapes, wines and chestnuts. Roiling waters and mud
tore through the village, 75 kilometres from Genoa and near the
Cinque Terre, a popular vacation area. At least one building
collapsed.
Another victim died while trying to clear gutters in the
northwestern coastal town of Monterosso, built around a small
natural gulf.
Two others were killed in Aulla in the nearby province of Massa
Carrara, famed for its marble.
The head of La Spezia's provincial government, Marino Fiasella,
told Sky TV24 that at least six other people were missing.
Flood waters swept away some roads and bridges, and several towns
in Liguria remained cut off from the outside world. Authorities
said major highways and the railway in Liguria would remain closed
at least through Monday.
Rome was under a flood alert but the storm caused little damage in
the capital. A truck overturned in the storm, blocking the key
Rome-Naples superhighway for three hours.
The Defence Minister said the military was being readied to help
search for the missing and Italian news reports said up to 100
soldiers and two helicopters would take part.