Deadly landslide rips through Italian island of Ischia

Several people are feared to have been killed after a landslide caused by heavy rain washed away houses on the island of Ischia, near Naples.

The torrent of mud and debris dislodged trees, engulfed buildings and dragged cars into the sea as it reached the coast early on November 26, the BBC reported.

The body of a woman was reported to have been found under the mud, and several other people are still missing.

Dozens of homes are cut off, with bad weather hampering rescue operations.

Resident Lisa Mocciaro told Ansa news agency of what she witnessed, stating "We started hearing loud thunder at about 03:00 then the first landslide came down, followed by a second one around 05:00. It was horrifying".

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi told reporters the situation was "very complicated" and that the people missing were believed to be trapped under the mud. Up to 155mm of rain fell over the course of six hours.

According to Euronews, a first emergency package of €2 million was agreed upon during an extraordinary government meeting, said the Minister of Civil Protection Nello Musumeci.