Dozens of people were injured after a tornado and hail hit the northern Italian city of Cremona, causing widespread damage.
Like much of Europe, Italy has faced a relentless period of extreme weather, with the country sweltering under its fifth heatwave of the summer.
Ten churches, including the city’s main cathedral, were damaged, according to Italy’s fire brigade, which responded to more than 500 emergency calls within hours.
A spire fell from one of the cathedral’s towers, altering the city’s most famous landmark. Many of the historic churches suffered extensive damage to their windows and skylights.
Twelve families were evacuated after their homes were damaged either by flying debris or the loss of roofs. Hundreds of trees fell, and many homes suffered roof damage, and 10,000 cars were damaged due to a hailstorm and falling trees after the tornado passed, the fire brigade said.
