GARGANO – Politicians arrive in Puglia to survey the damage caused by floods that have left two dead.

On Monday morning sailors in Vieste port discovered the body of Vincenzo Blenx, a man in his seventies who was swept away by floods on Saturday a kilometre and a half away in Peschici.  

Meanwhile, work has begun to clear the roads of Peschici and Rodi Garganico from debris and mud. Head of the department for Civil Protection Franco Gabrielli visited the area where 14 towns and villages are affected.

“From what I have seen, and from what I have been told, I believe that these conditions warrant the declaration of a state of emergency.” Gabrielli said.

The President of the region of Puglia Nichi Vendola was also in the area, visiting both Peschici and Carpino, where farmer Antonio Facenna, 24, was killed.

More than one thousand tourists have fled the area. In Peschici several camping sites and hotels have been destroyed, whilst three cars, two mobile homes and four caravans have been found in the sea. An estimate for the damages is currently four-five million euros, however this figure could rise significantly.

On Tuesday, environment minister Gian Luca Galleti is due to arrive, “It is clear that we want to restore this region as quickly as possible,” he said.