Nine die as flash floods hit northwestern and central Italy

Nine die as flash floods hit northwestern and central Italy

2011-10-27 01:40:13 GMT+7 (ICT)

ROME (BNO NEWS) -- At least nine people have been killed in severe floods after torrential rains hit Italy's northwestern and central regions of Liguria and Tuscany, sweeping away roads and bridges, officials said on Wednesday.

Mudslides blocked streets, damaged viaducts and caused bridges to collapse as 500 millimeters (20 inches) of water flooded rivers and streams throughout the region. Civil Defense reported that the death toll rose to at least nine on Wednesday afternoon, Agenzia Giornalistica Italia (AGI) reported.

Rescue teams have been working relentlessly since Tuesday night, attempting to remove the debris caused by the numerous landslides. Except by helicopter, many localities were still isolated and unreachable on late Wednesday.

The director of Italy's first aid and rescue service, Franco Gabrielli, said many flooded areas "are without electricity, water, gas and communications." In addition, major highways and train services have been blocked.

The president of the Tuscan Region, Enrico Rossi, declared a state of emergency due to the floods. During an emergency session held on Wednesday, the local government allocated 2 million euros ($2.78 million) for the initial and immediate search rescue effort, AGI reported.

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