Six killed after flash flooding hits northern Italy

Six killed after flash flooding hits northern Italy

2011-11-05 10:41:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

ROME (BNO NEWS) -- At least six people were killed and several others are believed to be missing after torrential rains hit the Italian port city of Genoa on Friday, the ANSA news agency reported.

Flash floods caused by heavy rains struck the city and the surrounding Liguria region, sweeping away cars and affecting hundreds of homes and businesses. Local authorities said at least six people had been killed, including four adults and two children.

The ANSA news agency said several people were believed to be missing, but gave no specific number. The report said a 15-year-old girl was feared to be among those unaccounted for.

The Cinque Terre coastal region, which is popular among tourists, had already been hit hard by recent flooding and mudslides. Schools were closed in the area on Friday and residents were completely evacuated from flood-stricken Vernazza and the Vara Valley on Thursday amid fears that the region would be hit again.

Last week, at least ten people were killed in severe floods after torrential rains hit Italy's northwestern and central regions of Liguria and Tuscany, sweeping away roads and bridges. The Environment Minister, Stefania Prestigiacomo, said on Thursday that more than 6,600 Italian communities were affected.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-11-05