Deadly 'Water Bomb' Floods Destroy Bridges, Claim Life in Italy

On August 21, 2025, Italy has been hit by a series of deadly floods and extreme weather events, with intense 'water bomb' storms lashing down on popular tourist hotspots. The situation is particularly dire in Sicily, where one man tragically lost his life after being swept away by an overflowing river.

The 40-year-old victim, Matteo Ciurca, was reported missing on Wednesday and found by emergency services on Thursday. He had been on his way to feed his dogs in the countryside when he was caught up in the devastating floods. Dramatic footage from the region shows a bridge crumbling as heaps of rocks, concrete, and other debris come crashing down during a heavy rainstorm.

The San Giuliano bridge near the town of Randazzo was partially destroyed, leaving vehicles that had been wading through the high waters in peril. Authorities have since closed the bridge, which had also suffered similar damage during flooding in 2021. The intense storms have caused widespread disruption, with Randazzo's 8,000 residents facing delayed access to emergency services, transport, and supplies.

The extreme weather has not been limited to Sicily, as other regions in Italy have also been struck by intense storms and hailstorms. An enormous hailstorm lashed down on the popular tourist island of Sardinia, while the town of Riccione in northern Italy dealt with sudden strong storms. Italy has been grappling with extreme weather throughout the summer, including wildfires and unbearable heat that prompted the country to ban outdoor work in the hottest parts of the day.