Heavy rainfall on Elba Fire department rescues dozens of people from extreme distress

Enormous amounts of rain fall on the Italian Mediterranean island. Water and mud wash through the streets. Residents are urged not to use their cars.

DPA

14.02.2025, 05:34

dpa

On the Italian Mediterranean island of Elba, the fire department rescued several dozen people from endangered cars and buildings after heavy rainfall. In the evening, the authorities said that at least 47 people had been brought to safety in extreme distress. The municipality of Portoferraio was particularly affected - including a dance school where many young people were staying.

According to regional president Eugenio Giani, 65 liters of rain per square meter fell on the island off the coast of Tuscany in just over an hour. In Portoferraio, a town of 12,000 inhabitants, water and mud poured through the streets. The fire department rescued 28 people from cars that were stuck.

Appeal: leave your cars at home

Nine minors and three adults were evacuated from the dance school that was threatened by the water. Another ten people were evacuated to safety from a pizzeria. The municipal administration appealed to the population not to use their cars because of the flooding. It said: "Do not come to Portoferraio and do not try to get out. The access roads are blocked."

Several places on the Italian mainland were also affected by the heavy rainfall. These included the cities of Florence, Lucca and Siena.