Woman Swept Away in Favara
A 38-year-old woman, identified as Marianna Bello, a mother of three, was reported missing in Favara, Agrigento, Italy, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, after being swept away by floodwaters during a severe cloudburst. The incident occurred in Via Sottotenente Bosco, located in Favara's historic center, where she had reportedly exited her car after it became stuck in a mudflow.
Reports indicate that Ms. Bello attempted to save herself but was immediately carried away by the rushing water. An owner of a local fruit stand reportedly tried to rescue her but 'wasn't able to grasp her hand'. It is believed she may have been dragged into an underground water drainage channel.
Extensive Search and Rescue Operations Underway
Following her disappearance, extensive search and rescue operations were immediately launched. Teams involved include:
- Fire department units from Agrigento
- A team of divers from Palermo
- Carabinieri
- Volunteers and the woman's relatives
The mayor of Favara, Antonio Palumbo, is actively coordinating the efforts on the ground. A helicopter from Catania was requested to survey hard-to-reach areas but was unable to take off due to strong winds. Rescuers are concentrating their search in a channel where the water flow is particularly violent.
Regional Impact of Severe Weather
The cloudburst brought torrential rainfall that caused widespread disruption across Sicily's Agrigento province. Roads in Favara were transformed into raging rivers, with dramatic footage showing cars floating down streets and water engulfing vehicles. The heavy rainfall also forced authorities in the seaside town of Sciacca to close all local schools for 'safety reasons'.
Roads were damaged and houses flooded in several areas. Local residents have voiced criticism regarding the authorities, questioning why a 'red alert' level was not declared by the regional civil protection service despite the evident threat posed by the severe weather.
6 Comments
Comandante
This is a devastating personal tragedy, but it also highlights systemic issues with emergency preparedness and infrastructure in the region. We need proactive measures, not just reactive searches.
Africa
While the immediate focus is on finding Marianna, the residents' criticism about the lack of a 'red alert' is very concerning. Effective early warning systems are crucial for public safety, especially with increasingly erratic weather.
Habibi
Nature's fury is terrifying. Hope they find her soon.
Coccinella
Why was there no red alert? This disaster was preventable!
Manolo Noriega
Such a tragic situation. Favara needs all the support right now.
BuggaBoom
The efforts of the rescue teams are commendable, yet this incident underscores a broader challenge of managing extreme water events. We see both devastating floods and water scarcity, indicating a need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies.