Rescue and relief efforts continue for the afflicted population of Livorno Italy, three days after a flood hit the region. There were seven victims from the Sunday flood of September 10 that resulted in 15 inches, or 400 millimeters, of rain in 4 hours on the coastal city of Tuscany, causing sudden flooding of rivers and streams.

Stefano Paris, the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Italy expressed condolences in a statement addressed to families of victims and residents.

"I am deeply heartbroken about the calamity that struck Livorno last Sunday," said Paris, "I want to express solidarity and closeness to the families of the victims. I pray for comfort and support at this time of pain. My thoughts also go to the residents of Livorno who have lived through fear and damage to their homes. I pray that they do not lose hope and have the strength to overcome such a difficult situation. In the Bible the Lord says: 'I have seen his ways, and I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him and his afflicted ones (Isaiah 57:18). I invite the Adventist churches to join in prayer for those who were stricken by the flood and for the people involved in the rescue."

There is a small Adventist community in Livorno. "There is no damage to us," said Stefania Tramutola, pastor of the Livorno Church. She was reached by phone by Adventist News, "Out of the 15 church members, only one has a flooded garage."

As far as rescue is concerned, for now Civil Protection is involved. “As for us”, continues Tramutola, "we will get in touch with the other religious communities in the city and the local agencies with whom we usually collaborate, so that we can plan together what assistance to offer the flooded families."