**At least five people have died and more are missing after heavy rain triggered mudslides in the Italian city of Messina in southern Sicily.**The violent mudslides and flooding destroyed several buildings, swept away cars and blocked road and rail links.
Italian authorities are afraid the number of casualties could rise, the AP news agency reported.
Rescue dogs were being used in the search for survivors, Messina Mayor Giuseppe Buzzanca told Italy’s Sky TV.
He added that the rescue efforts were being hampered because some areas were only reachable by foot.
More than 100 people left their homes when the mudslides struck, officials said.
At least a dozen people are believed to have been taken to hospital following the overnight storm.