A state of emergency has been declared in Sicily after apocalyptic flash floods tore through the city of Catania, claiming at least one life and causing unprecedented destruction. Torrential rains transformed streets into raging rivers, sweeping vehicles away and trapping residents in their homes and cars.
The victim, a man in his fifties, was tragically found drowned inside his vehicle, which was completely inundated by the sudden deluge. Rescue services, including firefighters and the coastguard, have been working through the night on daring missions to save citizens stranded by the rapidly rising waters.
A City Submerged
Shocking video footage and photographs reveal the sheer scale of the catastrophe. The scene in Catania is one of utter devastation:
- Cars were tossed and piled on top of each other by the powerful currents.
- Major roads and piazzas were transformed into deep, murky lakes, cutting off entire neighbourhoods.
- Emergency crews navigated inundated streets in inflatable boats to reach those in peril.
- Bus passengers had to be dramatically rescued after their vehicle was caught in the floodwaters.
The city's infrastructure has been brought to a standstill. The Catania metro system was forced to suspend all services, and schools across the province have been ordered closed as a safety precaution.
'Water Everywhere'
Local officials have described the event in stark terms. "We have a critical situation... It is not even possible to quantify the damage because the emergency is still ongoing," said the Mayor of Catania, Enrico Trantino. Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of sheer terror as the water rose with terrifying speed, catching everyone off guard.
This severe weather event is part of a larger pattern of storms lashing southern Italy, with forecasts predicting further rainfall. The disaster has ignited a fierce debate about infrastructure preparedness and the increasing frequency of such extreme weather phenomena, widely linked to climate change.
