Rome, 17 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) – A number of rivers in the north of Italy have burst their banks following heavy rains in the region, and authorities have closed off areas and roads near rivers.

The north-western Piedmont region with its capital at Turin has been badly affected, with appeals issued to the local population to stay at home.

Flooded tracks had led to severe delays to train services between Italy and Switzerland, the Italian rail company reported. Several trains were stranded along the route.

Authorities warned of strong winds, flooding and landslides.

Areas that usually draw large numbers of visitors over the Easter holiday, such as South Tyrol in the north east, Lombardy in the north and Tuscany further south have also been affected.

Weather alerts were also sent out in Switzerland's southern cantons of Valais and Ticino, which also draw holidaymakers over Easter.

MIA file photo