Floods devastate northern Italy (VIDEO)

GlobalPost

At least nine people are dead due to flash floods in Northern Italy after torrential rains that stretched from the Alps to Sicily.

Most of the victims of the floods were in Borghetto Vara, an Italian village in the north-western coastal region of Liguria. Mud and waters drove through the village. washing away roads and bridges and cutting off several towns. At least one building collapsed due to the floods.

Authorities have evacuated hundreds from their homes, reports Euro News.

One victim died while trying to clear gutters in the coastal town of Monterosso, which is built around a gulf.

"Monterosso no longer exists," said the mayor, Angelo Betta. The fishing village has been essentially wiped clean, The Telegraph reported.   

Rome was under a flood alert during the rains, but the storm did not cause much damage to the capital.

Major highways and railways in the region are expected to remain closed until Sunday, reports The Guardian.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!