The city of Catania and the surrounding areas were hit hardest by the floods. There city squares and streets turned into lakes. It is known that the disaster killed at least 2 people.
According to volunteer rescuers, the body of one man was found under a car when strong winds and rain swept through the town of Gravina near Catania.
The body of another man, 67, was found in a citrus grove in Catania. His car was hit by water and mud. The emergency services reported that the man’s wife is missing.
Flood waters also flooded a room at the Garibaldi Hospital in Catania. The electricity was cut off in the city center. Several schools were closed due to the elements, many transport flights were canceled.
Catania Mayor Salvo Pogliese has ordered all shops to close except pharmacies and grocery stores until midnight. He asks residents not to leave their homes unnecessarily.
“I urge all people not to leave their homes, except in emergencies,” he said.
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