Violent storm on the Italian island of Ischia – several missing EU crisis meetings: France remains tough in dispute over refugees

Several people have been reported missing on the Italian island of Ischia after a severe storm and landslides. Authorities in the northern coastal town of Casamicciola were looking for 13 people, the Carabinieri in Naples confirmed to the German news agency on Saturday morning.

The people accordingly lived in houses damaged by a mudslide. Authorities have meanwhile evacuated people from their homes, civil protection tweeted.

According to the fire service, they had been working since early morning due to flooding and landslides. Emergency services rescued two people from a car that had hit the water. Naples authorities sent further reinforcements to the popular Mediterranean holiday island from the mainland.

According to the fire service, boats and helicopters had difficulty reaching the island. Television footage and video from the fire department showed totally wrecked cars, muddy roads, swept debris and a slope where a landslide appeared to have gone.

According to media reports, some families were trapped in their homes. Authorities instructed people in several municipalities on the island to stay at home. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked the rescuers for their work, as announced by their official headquarters in Rome.

She is in contact with the local authorities. Ischia mayor Enzo Ferrandino on Saturday ordered schools, parks and cemeteries to close due to the announced storm. (aeg/sda/dpa)