Five people reported missing in Bardonecchia, after a wave of mud, water and detritus swept through the town on Sunday night, have been traced.
The wave of mud was triggered by a landslide at high altitude. Piemonte Governor Alberto Cirio said on Monday, “I am in direct contact with the mayor, who has confirmed that there are no victims and that the five people initially considered missing have also been traced”.
“This is certainly good news. However, the damage is very significant and I have already spoken to Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, who has said the government is available to do its part to help us deal with this situation,” he added.
One person is reported to have sustained slight injuries in the unexpected flood after the local Merdovine river burst its banks. A total of 120 people are also said to have been displaced by the flooding and are now being accommodated in a camp set up by the Italian Red Cross in a local sports facility and in hotels.
Damage and disruption in the town and local area
Firefighters reportedly intervened to rescue six people trapped in a camper that was swept downstream by the floodwater.
The local police station and hotel La Betulla are both badly damaged. The entire local fleet of police cars has also been destroyed.
Damage to local bridges means Bardonecchia, near the French border, is inaccessible to all but the emergency services.
To prevent explosions, gas supplies have been turned off in the area. The city council has told residents to expect disruptions to water and electricity supplies. The Carabinieri have also shored up the town, against the threat of looting.
