At least six people were killed when the Italian port city of Genoa and Italy’s western coastline was hit by flash floods following torrential rainfall yesterday.
Two rivers broke their banks and torrents of uprooted trees and swept cars and furniture through the streets.
The Genoa city website advised people not to leave their homes and to climb to the upper floors.
A fire department spokesman said six people were confirmed dead and one person was missing. Two of the dead were reported to be children.
Tomorrow’s Serie A soccer match between local team Genoa and rivals Inter Milan has been postponed.
Much of northern Italy was hit by heavy rains yesterday, and flooding was also reported in Venice.
Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has given Italy's civil protection chief extra authority to provide assistance to residents.
PA