Landslide rips through Italian holiday island leaving dozens cut off

World

Landslides have destroyed buildings and left residents cut off on the Italian holiday island of Ischia, authorities say.

It is not clear if anyone has died. Interior minister Matteo Piantedosi said there have been no confirmed deaths, contradicting an earlier statement from deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini who claimed there were eight.

Heavy rainstorms and flooding caused several landslides in the town of Casamicciola Terme, which is around 20 miles off the coast of Naples.

Dozens of people are believed to be stranded after 10 buildings were destroyed on the island, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Resident Lisa Mocciaro told the news agency there had been heavy rain from “around midnight”.

Rescuers carry someone on a stretcher
The remnants of buildings float down a street on the Italian holiday island

“From 3am we started hearing roars. The first landslide came down, then another around five,” she said.

One family with a newborn were reported among the missing, but have now been found and are receiving medical care, Naples prefect Claudio Palomba said.

More on Italy

Motorboats and helicopters involved in rescue attempts have struggled to access the island due to the bad weather, the fire brigade said.

Ischia, Italy landslide
A tour bus is seen underwater on Ischia

The disaster saw cars and buses dragged into the sea around the island.

Videos also show streets impassable and covered in debris.

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