(ANSA) - Genoa, November 9 - Portofino's central piazzetta,
the heart of the iconic elite Ligurian seaside resort, collapsed
due to extreme weather on Friday.
The area of the collapse has been cordoned off.
Experts said the collapse happened because the incessant rain
of recent days swelled the Fondaco River that runs underneath
the little square, undermining its foundations.
The VIP hideaway has been cut off since October 29 when sea
waves destroyed the road linking it to Santa Margherita Ligure
at several points.
The borgo is this reachable only by sea.
Portofino piazzetta collapses
Rain swelled river, undermining square