Landslide in Italy: Deaths Suspected as Ischia Homes Were Swept Away

On the island of Ischia, close to Naples, residences were destroyed by a mudslide brought on by torrential rains, and it is believed that several people were murdered.

As it approached the coast early on Saturday, the flood of mud and debris uprooted trees, swamped structures, and carried cars into the water.

According to reports, the missing include a family with a newborn baby and a 25-year-old woman.

It is rumored that the weather is making it difficult to get to the island.

Numerous families were still cut off, according to the mayor of Lacco Ameno, one of the island's municipalities, and some structures had collapsed. There are also rumors that several individuals are trapped inside a hotel on the island.

Lisa Mocciaro, a local, stated to the Ansa news agency: "Around 03:30 (02:03 GMT), we first heard heavy thunder. Around that point, the first landslide descended, and at 05:00, a second one. It was gruesome."

The situation was "extremely problematic," Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi told reporters, and it was thought that the missing people were stranded in the muck. Over the course of six hours, rainfall of up to 155mm was recorded.

Campania, the area surrounding Naples and Ischia, has endured many days of intense rain. There is a weather advisory in effect through Sunday for rain and severe winds.

Due to the unfavorable weather on Thursday, two persons died. A guy was struck by lightning on a beach, while an Argentine tourist perished after being dragged into the water during a coastal storm.

To prevent impeding emergency services, local authorities are advising residents to remain at home.

Eight people died in the landslide, according to Matteo Salvini, minister of infrastructure, who also said: "From north to south, this nation needs to be safeguarded because it is the most beautiful country in the world."

The interior ministry later clarified, however, that no fatalities had been reported.

Ischia in the Tyrrhenian Sea, like neighboring Capri, is a well-liked vacation spot for both foreigners and Italians. Ischia served as the setting for both the 1999 movie The Talented Mr. Ripley and the well-known book series Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante.