Heavy rain causes flooding and destruction in Italy's Sicily region

Heavy rain battered Sicily from Tuesday to Wednesday, sweeping cars into the sea and damaging homes.

Italian firefighters conducted over 70 rescue operations, addressing flooding, blocked roads, and people stranded in their vehicles or homes.

The municipalities of Torre Archirafi, Riposto, Giarre, Acireale, and Aci Sant'Antonio were hit hardest.

In Altarello, a small village, four residents were rescued from the lower floors of their flooded house as severe weather disrupted daily life across the region.