A sudden rise in water levels following heavy rainfall has resulted in the death of a 70-year-old man in north-western Italy, authorities announced on Monday, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
The man was swept away by a torrent of water and mud after stepping out of his van in Bardonecchia, located in the Piedmont region near the French border.
“Bardonecchia was hit by a water bomb, causing damage and regrettably claiming one victim,” said Alberto Cirio, president of the Piedmont regional government.
“We are increasingly faced with emergencies caused by weather phenomena that were once considered rare but are now occurring more often,” Cirio added.
Firefighters rescued at least ten people trapped by rising waters and several others stuck in their cars, Italian media reported.
