Italian towns set new European records for rainfall

Torrential thunderstorms in Italy have set new European rainfall records, with a colossal 740.6mm (29in) of rain falling in just 12 hours over Rossiglione in Genoa on 4 October. In another record, set 20 miles west, Cairo Montenotte received a 496mm deluge in just six hours.

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Photograph: Luca Zennaro/EPA

Above average temperatures, rich moisture-laden Mediterranean air and an advancing low pressure system aided spectacular thunderstorm development over large parts of Italy. The staggering rainfall amounts caused landslides, damage to fields and blocked roads.

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At least 14 people have been killed and more than 1,000 homes damaged after Tropical Cyclone Shaheen hit parts of north-east Oman on 3 October. Shaheen brought 369mm of rain to Al-Khaboura, with 200mm falling in Oman’s capital, Muscat.

Shaheen is the first cyclone to take this particular track since 1890. The clean-up operation is expected to cost $100m (£73m) after Shaheen caused storm surges, flooding, landslides and overflowing dams.

On Saturday, Typhoon Lionrock battered parts of the northern South China Sea with heavy rainfall and fierce winds. Authorities in Hong Kong issued their third highest storm signal, No 8, at 6.40am local time, which forced the shutdown of transport networks, offices and school. Lionrock sustained a No 8 storm signal for 22 hours – the longest duration since Severe Tropical Storm Agnes in 1978.

© Photograph: Luca Zennaro/EPA
A car hit by the landslide that damaged a building in Rossiglione, Genoa.