Severe Floods Sweep Southern Italy

Heavy floods have engulfed southern Italy, particularly hitting Sicily hard. The Catanese area has experienced the worst of the flooding, leading to numerous emergency interventions.

Stranded Drivers and Rescue Operations

The floodwaters have left many drivers stranded on roads. Firefighters have been assisting those stranded on the A18 highway between Fiumefreddo di Sicilia and Giarre. Authorities are urging people to avoid driving where possible, particularly in areas where a flood code red has been issued.

Since midnight, firefighters have carried out over 70 interventions, with the number of requests still increasing. In Altarello di Riposto, many residents have been trapped in their homes. Firefighters, using an amphibious vehicle, have been responding to a house with a flooded ground floor where four people, two of whom are disabled, are currently residing.

Record Rainfall

Over the past six hours, 350 mm of rain has fallen, adding to the already substantial accumulations from the previous days. The total rainfall over the last five days is recorded at 700 mm, reaching 1000 mm over the last ten days.

Social media posts show cars and various objects being swept away by the strong floodwaters that have inundated the southern parts of Italy.

Conclusion

The severe flooding in southern Italy, especially in Sicily and the Catanese area, has resulted in numerous emergency interventions. The situation is rapidly evolving, with authorities and emergency services working tirelessly to assist stranded motorists and residents trapped in their homes. With the record rainfall continuing to increase, the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.