Italy floods: Torrential rain lashes towns and villages as nine die
Flash floods triggered by torrential rain have killed at least nine people while six others remain missing on the Italian Riviera.
Italy was lashed from the Alps in the north to Sicily in the south with the north-western coastal region of Liguria and the central region of Tuscany the hardest areas hit.
Officials said a downpour of 50cm of rain had fallen throughout the course of 24 hours.
Devastating: Mud-covered tables are seen stacked outside a bar in Monterosso as rain battered much of the country
Six of the victims were in Borghetto Vara, a village in Liguria known for its grapes, wines and chestnuts. Floodwater and mud tore through the village, 45 miles from Genoa and near the Cinque Terre, an area popular with British holidaymakers. At least one building collapsed.
Another victim died while trying to clear gutters in the north-western 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, said at least six other people were missing.
Swamped: An aerial view of a village near La Spezia in the north west of Italy
Floods swept away some roads and bridges, and several towns in Liguria remained cut off from the outside world. Authorities said major roads and the railway in Liguria would remain closed at least until Sunday.
Rome was under a flood alert but the storm caused little damage in the capital. A t! ruck ove rturned in the storm, blocking the key Rome-to-Naples superhighway for three hours.
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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.
The Italian State Tourist Board had nothing to add.
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