Image copyright AFP Image caption The area has experienced heavy rainfall, with temperatures rising to between 38°C and 44°C
Residents of an Italian island have been evacuated from their homes because of “excessive carbon dioxide levels”, Italy’s army said.
The amphibious infantry brigade moved 30 houses in the medieval hamlet of Luno, near the Mediterranean port of Sant’Agata Bolognese.
Residents were taken to nearby towns and villages including nearby Agrigento.
It comes after heavy rainfall affected much of the country this week.
Heavy rainfall in Italy
A villager told Reuters news agency that residents were kept in the houses overnight because of the intense heat, reaching 42 degrees Celsius.
Images from the defence ministry showed heavily loaded vehicles.
The town had been without electricity since Monday evening, it is reported.
Engineers were working on restoring power.
Smoke from a vehicle was seen in the village during the day.
Image copyright AFP Image caption Residents have been enjoying the hot weather in Luno
The US National Weather Service in Rome said the temperature in the town reached a record 38.2C (100.1F) during the day.
Overcast skies are due to follow overnight and some showers were predicted for Thursday, it said.