Three dead after severe storm on Ischia

Three people died in the landslide triggered by heavy rain on the Italian holiday island of Ischia. Recently, emergency services found the body of an elderly woman in the particularly affected coastal town of Casamicciola, according to the responsible prefecture in Naples. The fire department had previously discovered the body of a little girl. A dead woman had already been recovered on Saturday. Nine people are still officially missing.

The fire brigade has been on duty since early Saturday morning due to flooding and landslides. Emergency services rescued two people from a car that was torn into the sea. From the mainland, the authorities in Naples sent further reinforcements and specialists to the popular Mediterranean holiday island. Around 200 residents were to be evacuated from their homes. However, many families were trapped in their apartments and houses.

Difficult access to the holiday island

According to the fire department, boats and helicopters initially had difficulties reaching the island. Television images and a video from the fire department showed completely wrecked cars, roads covered in mud, debris that had been carried away and a slope where a landslide appeared to have previously occurred.

The authorities instructed people in several municipalities on the island to stay at home. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked the rescue workers for their work, as announced by their official seat in Rome. She is in contact with the local authorities. Ischia’s Mayor Enzo Ferrandino had already closed schools, parks and cemeteries on Friday because of the announced storm.

sti/qu (afp, dpa, kna)