Five people were killed and eight reported missing after torrential rainstorms caused widespread flooding and mudslides in north and central Italy, authorities said.
Thunderstorms lashed parts of Liguria and Tuscany late yesterday, bringing down several bridges and at least one house, cutting off electricity and water, disrupting train services and blocking roads.
Rescue teams said they were having difficulty reaching some of the flooded areas and people were being evacuated by sea from some towns along the spectacular coast.
The Italian army has been put on standby to help in rescue efforts.
The storm front moved south to Rome today, where authorities said the situation was under control despite heavy rain across the Italian capital that caused major traffic jams.
Heavy rainfall and storms are expected in regions further south later in the week.
Floods swamp district of Thailand's capital
Floods swamped a new area of Thailand's capital as some shops rationed food and Bangkok's governor warned of "massive water" on the way that could put many parts of the sprawling city in danger by the end of the week.
Large-scale evacuation was underway in Bang Phlad, a riverside area some way from Bangkok's inundated northern districts, as floods hit the capital on a second front, deepening anxiety in the city of 12 million people.
Around 90% of the northern Don Muang district was under water and Bang Phlad was in a critical situation. Fourteen city districts were threatened by floods and two more could be hit tomorrow.
Thailand's worst flooding in half a century has killed at least 373 people since mid-July and disrupted the lives of nearly 2.5 million, with more than 113,000 in shelters and 720,000 people seeking medical attention.
