At least nine people have been killed as storms and floods caused by Cyclone Cleopatra tore through the Italian island of Sardinia, officials say. A number of people are believed to be missing after rivers burst their banks, sweeping cars away and causing bridges to collapse. The worst-hit area appears to be in and around the north-eastern city of Olbia. Hundreds of people across the Mediterranean island were evacuated from their homes. Were at maximum alert, Giorgio Cicalo, an official from Sardinias civil protection authority, told Italys Rai TV. We havent seen a situation as extreme as this, perhaps for decades. Especially because its been across the whole island. Olbia Mayor Gianni Giovanelli was quoted by Sky TG24 as saying that the city had been destroyed by an apocalyptic storm. Some city residents used social media to offer shelter to those forced out of their homes. The storms also caused extensive damage to farms on the island and disrupted a number of flights to and from mainland Italy.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:21:57 +0000