ROME, Aug 21, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Eleven hikers, up from eight, are now
reported to have died in flash floods in Italy’s southern Calabria region,
with five people still missing, rescue services said Tuesday.
Several hiking groups were caught Monday afternoon by the flooding in the
Raganello river gorge in southern Cozenza province, with local authorities
saying that 23 people had been rescued.
They said the incident involved two groups of 18 hikers each, with powerful
floodlights brought up to allow rescuers to work through the night.
A Dutch hiker, quoted in local media, said: “A real avalanche of water came
unexpectedly. We did not have time to do anything. I was lucky, it was an
incredible thing.”
On Monday, this part of Calabria experienced several hours of heavy rain
and strong winds although conditions began to improve during the evening.
The dramatic gorges carved by the Raganello river are only recommended for
experienced hikers due to the many challenges posed by the route, which at
certain times of the year is rendered off-limits, the AGI news agency
reported.