The death toll in Sardinia from flooding after a cyclone and heavy rain hit the island has gone up to at least 18.
Italian prime minister Enrico Letta declared a state of emergency, speaking of a “national tragedy” in the wake of Cyclone Cleopatra
A €20 million emergency relief fund is being allocated after more than 17.3 inches of rain fell in 90 minutes overnight into Tuesday morning.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was in contact with local authorities to confirm whether any British nationals have been involved.
The area most affected by the severe flooding is the north east of the Italian island, particularly in the Olbia region, where there are reports of flood waters being 10ft deep.
The FCO reiterated a warning of flight disruption at Olbia and Cagliari airports and that many roads were blocked. Train services may also be affected.
Cars were swept away and bridges collapsed as rivers burst their banks.
The unstable conditions are expected to move across Italy and further east, bringing further downpours and the threat of flooding, particularly in Venice, the BBC reported.