Italy: Landslide claims the lives of 8 people
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Italy's Ischia island suffered a landslide that claimed the lives of 8 people, while several remain unaccounted for.
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Italian Ischia island hit with landslide (AFP)
Ischia, an Italian island, endured a landslide on Saturday that left at least eight people dead, according to media accounts.
According to information from the media and emergency services, a wave of mud poured down the hill in the little village of Casamicciola Terme in the dark hours of the morning, swallowing at least one home and dragging automobiles down to the sea.
Matteo Salvini, the infrastructure minister and deputy prime minister of Italy confirmed that "there are eight deaths confirmed by the landslide in Ischia."
Earlier, news sources indicated 13 persons were reported missing, but there was no official confirmation.
According to the ANSA agency, among them was a family consisting of a husband, wife, and a newborn infant who resided close to where the landslide began.
It stated that assistance was being sent from Naples, the closest large city, but highlighted that getting to the island was challenging due to the weather.
"The search for the missing, evacuations and help for people in danger continues," the department for civil protection said in an update on Twitter.
🔴Unità di Crisi alluvione #Ischia. Continua ricerca dispersi, evacuazioni e assistenza popolazione in pericolo. Soccorsi resi complessi dalle condizioni meteo. Rinforzi in partenza da Pozzuoli. Team DPC in arrivo su isola per supporto alle autorità locali#26novembre h 11.15
— Dipartimento Protezione Civile (@DPCgov) November 26, 2022
It is worth noting that the department has also noted that "the rescue effort remains complex due to the weather conditions."
Ischia locals have been asked by local authorities to stay indoors so as not to impede the rescue efforts.
According to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the PM is closely monitoring the situation and has offered her thoughts to all involved.
