Flash floods kill at least 9 in Italy

Torrential rains lashed Italy from its northern Alps to the southern island of Sicily, causing flash floods that killed at least nine people and left six others missing, authorities said Wednesday.The storm that began late Tuesday spared few areas, but the northwestern coastal region of Liguria and the central region of Tuscany were the hardest hit.Six of the victims were in Borghetto Vara, a village in Liguria known for its grapes, wines and chestnuts. Roiling waters and mud tore through the village, 45 miles (75 kilometres) from Genoa and near the Cinque Terre, a popular vacation area. At least one building collapsed.Another victim died while trying to clear gutters in the northwestern coastal town of Monterosso, built around a small natural gulf.Two others were killed in Aulla in the nearby province of Massa Carrara, famed for its marble.The head of La Spezias provincial government, Marino Fiasella said that at least six other people were missing.Flood waters swept away some roads and bridges, and several towns in Liguria remained cut off from the outside world. Authorities said major highways and the railway in Liguria would remain closed at least through Sunday.