Trees uprooted and many vehicles swept away by torrents of mud. Relief is overwhelmed, but searches continue in Italy, while a dozen people are still missing this Sunday, after a landslide hit the island of Ischia, off Naples. One woman is dead, according to an initial report.
“We fear that there are other victims, but for the moment the balance is one death. It is the body of a woman found by our teams”, confirms to BFMTV Luca Cari, door-word of the fire brigade.
“Our teams were able to save two people who were trapped in their car, which was driven into the sea,” he said.
Confusion once reigned over the number of victims. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, quoted by several Italian media, mentioned 8 deaths for the first time. He was later denied by his Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi. The Italian press also mentions thirteen wounded.
Thirty families are still trapped
Some of those who initially disappeared were eventually found safe and sound, including a family with a newborn baby, according to the prefect. But this Sunday, some 30 families remain trapped in their homes without running water or electricity, while mud and debris have invaded the streets.
For his part, another inhabitant of the island is well. Trust his relief to him and his family.
“I went with my uncle, he lost a few cars, but luckily everyone is fine,” Stanislaw Senese said, his face drawn.
The man himself saw torrential rains hit the island. “It’s a landslide that came from the top of the hill,” he says.
Rescue operations continue this Sunday, but access to certain neighborhoods is hampered by heavy rains and strong winds.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will discuss the crisis this Sunday with her cabinet in an extraordinary meeting.
Source: BFM TV
