Eastern Sicily is grappling with severe flooding following intense rainfall, prompting a red alert in some areas.

The hardest-hit regions include Giarre, Riposto, and Torre Archirafi, where streets have turned into rivers, and vehicles have been swept away.

Over 350 mm of rain fell in just six hours, adding to the 700 mm accumulated over the past five days.

Emergency services have been stretched thin, with firefighters conducting over 70 interventions since midnight.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, as landslides and road blockages complicate rescue efforts.

Schools have been closed as a precaution, and additional emergency personnel have been deployed to assist in the crisis.