1 dead, a dozen missing after landslide rips through Italian island town

(Update 1: Adds death toll revision from authorities, detail)

Rome, Nov 26 (EFE).- At least one person has died and a dozen others are missing after a landslide ripped through the town of Casamicciola on the Italian island of Ischia, officials said Saturday.

The figures offered by the Italian government’s representative in Naples came following media reports that said eight people had died, which have since been revised.

Fabrizio Curcio, the head of Italy’s Civil Protection agency, said rescue efforts were ongoing on the island, located in the Gulf of Naples in Italy’s south, but that poor weather conditions made them more complicated.

The island was drenched by heavy rain overnight, which sparked flooding and then a dangerous landslide that swept through houses in the town of Casamicciola.

Italy’s infrastructure minister and deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini initially said eight people had died, but that figure was later corrected by interior minister Matteo Piantedosi.

One death has been confirmed so far.

Images from the island show streets clogged with boulders, trees and mud as well as dozens of damaged buildings.

Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni said she was in “constant contact” with the authorities and expressed her “closeness” to those affected.

The local mayor, Enzo Ferrandino, said the island had witnessed a “tragedy” and asked the public to remain in their homes.

The volcanic island of Ischia is a popular tourist destination in the summer. Its steep hillsides are prone to landslides. EFE

gsm/jt