The death toll from Saturday’s landslide on the Gulf of Naples island of Ischia rose to eight on Monday. The body of another victim, a 15-year-old boy, was recovered, as rescue workers continued the search for four people who are missing.
The eighth victim was named as Michele Monti. The bodies of his younger siblings, Francesco and Maria Teresa, were found on Sunday and his parents, Gianluca Monti and Valentina Castagna, are among the people who are unaccounted for. A newborn baby is also among the confirmed victims of the disaster.
Five people are injured and 230 are homeless after a massive avalanche of mud and debris hit the town of Casamicciola Terme following intense rain.
On Sunday the government declared a state of emergency on the island. Ischia’s schools will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Buildings without permits – questions raised
The disaster has raised questions about buildings being constructed in areas that are at a high risk of flooding and landslides. They were often without the required permits.
Under fire is an amnesty issued in 2018 by the government of then premier Giuseppe Conte. It is seen as effectively allowing residents to rebuild illegal and unsafe homes.
