Rome, Oct 3 (Xinhua) At least 20 people were killed and 35 missing in flash floods in southern Italy, officials said Friday.
The government has declared a state of emergency in the flood-hit town of Messina.
The floods were caused by a storm that started Thursday night.
Officials said more than 450 people have become homeless in the deluge.
Mudslides have cut off access to some of the areas forcing rescuers to get there on foot.
Boats and helicopters were pressed into service for the rescue work.
At least 40 injured people were taken to hospital.
Messina’s mayor Giuseppe Buzzanca said rescuers were using dogs to search for the missing.
He said the rescue efforts were hampered as many road and rail routes were damaged in mudslides.
