CATANIA – A 53-year-old man has drowned after being swept away by an overflowing river – the latest death to come as a result of extreme weather in Sicily, police said. The population has been urged to stay inside, and all shops are closed apart from essential services.

 Much of the town is submerged under water, including the main square, Piazza Duomo, via Etnea and the Pescheria market. The western ring-road is closed to traffic.

 The storm caused a power cut in the historic town centre, leaving the Town Hall without electricity and water even flooded the court - all hearings are suspended until Wednesday.

 The Mayor of Catania, Salvo Pogliese, announced, "I urge all the population not to leave their homes except for emergency reasons." He ordered, “the immediate closure of all commercial activities until midnight Tuesday, with the exception of pharmacies, food and basic necessities.”

 “There are many trapped citizens who are calling for emergency help, due to the extraordinary level of strength reached by the rain,” he said. The fire brigade has reported 170 callouts so far.

 A 61-year-old woman is still missing after her and her husband got caught in the storm on Sunday in the Ogliastro district of Scordia, another municipality in the Catania area. His body was found on Monday. 

 The University of Catania has suspended all in-person teaching activities until Saturday. 

 The thunderstorms, which have hit the territory relentlessly since Sunday, are due to continue for another few days.

ln