The Italian government today declared a state of emergency for the Sicilian city of Messina and surrounding areas after mudslides left at least 13 people dead and many others injured or missing. A heavy downpour hit Sicily yesterday afternoon, badly affecting many areas in and around the city. Roads and railway tracks were blocked because of flooding and several buildings collapsed. Authorities said about 20 people were unaccounted for by this morning and a number of people were left homeless. Fire brigades and the army launched rescue operations and some of the injured were taken by helicopter to hospitals in Sicily. Those left homeless were gathering in public schools until a tent city or other means of housing could be arranged.