At least six people are dead after rivers of mud and torrential rain flooded areas of Liguria and Tuscany. Several others are still missing as streets became torrents and washed away several cars.
Some cars were washed out to sea in coastal towns in northern Italy, and highways were blocked by overturned vehicles.
One of the worst affected areas was in the famous Cinque Terre, a popular tourist destination. Monterosso al Mare, one of the five picturesque towns that makes up Cinque Terre, has been severely damaged. Mayor Angelo Betta told Italian television that residents were in desperate need of assistance. “We need food, water, doctors, even toilets”, he said.
The deaths and destruction has prompted environmental groups to call for a re-examination of planning regulations. The president of the Tuscany region, Enrico Rossi, has suggested that areas hit by mud slides and floods should not be rebuilt in the same locations due to environmental reasons.
President Giorgio Napolitano blamed climate change for the extensive storms that have battered Italy in the last week. Experts have predicted that torrential rains will become increasingly common in the region due to global warming.
Flooding in Rome and a mudslide on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius claimed two lives last week.
To see a clip of the flooding in Monterosso, watch the video below:
