Deadly landslide tears through Italian island of Ischia

10. hours ago

Watch: Cars have been swept into the sea following the landslide in Ischia

By Laura Gozzi

BBC News

A number of people are feared to have been killed after a mudslide triggered by heavy rains swept away homes on the island of Ischia, close to Naples

The. torrent of mud and debris dislodged trees, engulfed buildings and dragged cars into the sea as it reached the coast early on Saturday

The. physique of a woman was reported to have been discovered underneath the mud, and several other people are nonetheless missing.

Dozens of homes are reduce off, with undesirable weather hampering rescuers

Resident. Lisa Mocciaro informed Ansa information agency: “We began hearing loud thunder at about 03:00 (02:00 GMT), then the first landslide got here down, followed by a second one round 05:00. It was horrifying”

Interior. Minister Matteo Piantedosi informed reporters the scenario was “very complicated” and that the people missing have been believed to be trapped underneath the mud. Up to 155mm (61in). of rain fell over the course of six hours

The. mudslide dragged debris and bushes down the mountains towards the coast of the island of Ischia

Heavy rains have been battering Campania, the zone surrounding Naples and Ischia, for several days. A weather warning for rainfall and powerful winds is in place until eventually Sunday

On. Thursday, two people have been killed due to undesirable weather in the zone. An Argentine tourist drowned after being swept into the sea in the course of a coastal storm, whereas a man was struck by lightning on a beach

Local. authorities are urging residents to stay house to sidestep hindering emergency companies.

Earlier, Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini said eight people had died in the landslide, adding: “From north to south, this nation wants to be protected because it is the most lovely nation in the world”

But. the interior minister later said that no deaths had but been confirmed.

Like close by Capri, Ischia, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a popular holiday vacation spot for travelers and Italians alike. Ischia featured in the popular publication sequence Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante and was the backdrop to the 1999 film The Talented Mr Ripley.