Nine die in Italy downpours

ROME: Bridges were swept away and villages hit by mudslides and floodwater in Italy's Tuscany and Liguria regions on Wednesday during torrential downpours that killed nine, officials and reports said.

Up to 500 millimetres (20 inches) of rain fell in just a few hours overnight Tuesday to Wednesday, according to weather reports.

Five people were reported missing.

The areas worst hit were the Spezia region and the picturesque Five Lands tourist destination, where seven people -- including a first aid worker -- died. Two bodies were also recovered from a mountainous part of northern Tuscany. (AFP)