– The heaviest rain in southern Italy has pummeled towns and cities, including in the ancient city of Perugia, and many landslides were reported. The state ANSA news agency said a meter of water had flowed through some areas by Monday night.
The National Civil Protection Authority said at least 18 people were injured in Perugia and in Basilicata and Marche regions.
The heaviest rain in southern Italy has pummeled towns and cities, including in the ancient city of Perugia, and many landslides were reported.
The state ANSA news agency said a meter of water had flowed through some areas by Monday night.
Citizens in affected areas fled their homes and emergency services worked to open emergency holes in buildings and fix the roof and windows of flooded homes, local residents said. Water levels were dropping during the day, but would rise again during the night, they said.
The meteorological office in Rome, which issued an alert, said around 11.30 a.m. Monday that some areas were reporting as much as 20 centimeters (8 inches) of rain per hour.
A number of power lines were down in the region, while water lines were also broken.
Italy is experiencing a prolonged heat wave and officials in some regions were preparing emergency plans, including closing some schools and roads in affected areas. Authorities across Italy have said they expect weekend weather to be warm and dry.
Leigh Smith reported from Rome
