‘Apocalyptic’ torrential rains wreak havoc on Italian island of Sardinia, killing 18

November 19, 2013 – SARDINIA, Italy - A storm has killed at least 16 people on the Italian island of Sardinia, with two people unaccounted for and fears the death toll will rise, officials say. Confirming the deaths to CNN affiliate Sky TG24, Regional President Ugo Cappellacci described the situation as ‘dramatic and critical.’ Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta held a Cabinet meeting to declare a state of emergency in Sardinia. He told reporters the government has allocated 20 million euros ($27 million) in immediate aid to the Mediterranean island. The money will be used to help save lives, assist the displaced and repair roads, he said. Italian President Giorgio Napolitano issued a statement expressing solidarity with the affected communities. Olbia Mayor Gianni Giovannelli said the city had been destroyed by the “apocalyptic” storm, with bridges felled and water levels reaching 10 feet (3.5 m) in some places. He described the ferocity of the storm’s rains as a “water bomb.”Civil Protection Agency spokeswoman Francesca Maffini said that the two missing people were a farmer and a woman who lived alone.

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