The toll from severe floods and landslides on the Italian island of Ischia, located in the Bay of Naples, has risen to thirteen missing individuals, according to police sources cited by the news agency EFE. Authorities stressed that no casualties have been officially confirmed at this stage, while search and rescue teams press on with operations in a difficult-to-access area.
This figure reflects a temporary status as responders begin to intensify their search efforts. Reaching affected zones remains challenging for emergency crews, who are calling for additional measures and support as crews work to establish contact with those unaccounted for.
Ischia, a popular tourist destination off the coast of Campania, has experienced heavy rainfall and widespread mudslides, particularly around Casamicciola. The floods have caused extensive damage, with structures, roads, and vehicles overwhelmed by water and mud. In several neighborhoods, entire blocks have been disrupted as debris and rock slides blocked streets and damaged homes. Emergency teams have received reinforcements from Naples and other areas to help manage the response.
Among the missing are members of a family and a young adult student, with local media noting the uncertainty surrounding the status of several individuals. The situation remains fluid as investigators and rescuers continue to assess the scope of the disaster and coordinate relief efforts.
Teams on the ground report that many people were found in homes engulfed by floodwater and mud, while others were located after vehicles were dragged into floodwaters or buried under debris. The first images from Ischia depict a landscape of chaos, with uprooted trees, damaged buildings, and cars buried beneath mud as rescue operations unfold under difficult conditions.
Firefighter spokesman Luca Carl confirmed that a number of people have been rescued from the mud, including a man and others whose vehicle was pulled from the sea. Local authorities, including Enzo Ferrandino, the mayor of Ischia, urged residents to remain indoors where possible and expressed concern about the scale of damage across the area.
As the situation developed, officials stated that casualties in Casamicciola were still unconfirmed, with authorities warning that other critical incidents could emerge due to ongoing bad weather across the island. Emergency teams continue to work toward securing safe routes and delivering aid to affected residents, including those in the Terme Manzi hotel area where power supplies have been interrupted and some people remain trapped without electricity.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has remained in regular contact with the Minister of Civil Protection and Marine Policy, Nello Musumeci, to monitor the situation and coordinate responses for those affected by the disaster. The island of Ischia, part of the Naples archipelago, is known for its volcanic origins and steep terrain, factors that contribute to landslides in heavy rainfall. The events of this year echo past floods, including notable incidents in 2009, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of the area to extreme weather and the importance of rapid, well-coordinated emergency response.