Italy – 2 Dead, Several Feared Missing in Landslides and Floods on the Island of Ischia

by in Europe, News

Update, 28 November 2022: Italian rescue services confirmed that 8 bodies have now been recovered from landslides in Ischia.

Original report, 27 November 2022:
Heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides and floods on the island of Ischia in southern Italy early on 26 November 2022.

Vehicles were swept down slopes and into the sea at Casamicciola Terme, Ischia, Italy, 26 November 2022. Photo: Dipartimento Protezione Civile

Houses in northern parts of the island were damaged or destroyed as a torrent of mud, flood water and debris crashed down slopes of Mount Epomeo. Some areas were under mud and debris several metres deep. Dozens of vehicles were swept into the sea in areas of Casamicciola Terme.

President of the Region of Campania, President Vincenzo De Luca, said at least 150 families are unable to return to their homes. The regional government has requested the declaration of a state of emergency.

A team of over 250 people made up of firefighters, local officials, police, civil protection and volunteers are searching for several people still feared missing. Drones, digging equipment and sniffer dogs have also been deployed. Divers were searching the wreckage of the numerous vehicles swept into the sea. As of 27 November authorities reported the bodies of 2 victims have been found. Poor weather conditions have hampered rescue and damage assessment efforts.

On 25 November Regional Civil Protection issued warnings for severe weather including heavy rain which could trigger floods and landslides. According to figures from MeteoNetwork, the weather station at Forio recorded 133.2mm of rain on 26 November. Local media reported 155mm of rain fell in parts of the island in just 6 hours.

Ischia saw severe flash floods in November 2009 (analysis here).

Firefighters search through the wreckage after the landslides and floods in Ischia, Italy, 26 November 2022. Photo: Vigili del Fuoco
After the landslides and floods in Ischia, Italy, 26 November 2022. Photo: Carabinieri
After the landslides and floods in Ischia, Italy, 26 November 2022. Photo: Carabinieri
Landslide and flood debris in the streets of Casamicciola Terme, Ischia, Italy, 26 November 2022. Photo: Carabinieri
Vehicles were swept down slopes and into the sea at Casamicciola Terme, Ischia, Italy, 26 November 2022. Photo: Dipartimento Protezione Civile
Divers searching the wreckage of a car swept into the sea at Casamicciola Terme, Ischia, Italy, 26 November 2022. Photo: Dipartimento Protezione Civile

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