Europe weather: Four dead in storms in Switzerland and Italy as wildfires burn in Greece and Turkey
30 June 2024, 10:53 | Updated: 1 July 2024, 16:41
Extreme weather across Europe has left four people dead in storms in Switzerland and northern Italy, while wildfires force people from their homes in Greece and Turkey.
The bodies of three people were recovered following a landslide in the Fontana area of the Maggia valley in the Italian-speaking Ticino state on the southern side of the Swiss Alps.
The body of a man whose partner had reported him missing was found at a hotel in the Alpine resort of Saas-Grund early on Sunday. It is believed floodwater caught him by surprise.
Police said another man had been missing since Saturday evening in the Binn area in the upper Rhone valley close to the Italian border.
Meanwhile, searing temperatures and strong winds have sparked wildfires near Athens and in the Turkish district of Izmir, with residents and holidaymakers evacuated from their homes.
Both southern and western parts of Switzerland have been affected by heavy rain. Campsites along the River Maggia have been evacuated, while part of the Visletto road bridge collapsed.
One person has been reported missing in the nearby Lavizzara valley.
Further north, the River Rhone burst its banks in several areas of Valais state, flooding a road and railway line.
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80 rescue missions in northern Italy
Floods, thunderstorms, and landslides have also hit various regions in northern Italy.
Italian firefighters in the northern Piedmont region said they carried out about 80 rescue operations, evacuating dozens of people.
Two adults and a three-month-old girl were rescued after rising waters left them stuck in their car between Montanaro and San Benigno Canavese, firefighters said.
In the Valle D'Aosta region, several villages were isolated because of overflowing streams.
Temperatures set to rise further in Greece and Turkey
Temperatures are expected to rise further on Monday and Tuesday, creating further risk of wildfires.
In Greece, dozens of firefighters were battling blazes south of Athens on Sunday.
Supported by 17 water-carrying aircraft, they tackled the flames in a sparsely populated area near the town of Keratea, 22 miles south of the Greek capital. At least four houses were in flames, television footage showed.
Authorities ordered some residents to evacuate and others to stay at home and close their windows to protect themselves from smoke.
In Turkey, meanwhile, holidaymakers have reportedly been warned they may have to move because of a wildfire. Helicopters are said to be in use in the Selcuk district of Izmir.
(c) Sky News 2024: Europe weather: Four dead in storms in Switzerland and Italy as wildfires burn in Greece and Turkey
