The death toll from torrential rains that hit the Marche region in central Italy on Thursday night rose to 11, with two missing.

Italian authorities said that searches are continuing to find the missing.

Italy witnessed unprecedented rains, equivalent to the level of six months, in the Marche region, causing floods and torrents of mud.

The water flooded several areas and swept away vehicles, and caused the fall of trees and collapses, cutting off many local roads, which complicated the ambulance operations.

Authorities in Marche expected more rain and called on residents to stay indoors.

The storm in Ravenna on Saturday smashed the anchor of the Norwegian cruise ship "Viking Sea" with 870 passengers and 200 crew members on board, and five tugs intervened to stabilize the ship and then return it to the berth.