AKIPRESS.COM - At least 12 people have been killed in floods on the island of Sicily after fierce storms battered Italy, Sky News reports.

Nine victims were reportedly members of two families staying together in a house that flooded after a river burst its banks near Palermo.

Children aged one, three and 15 were among those who died, according to the AFP news agency.

The one person who survived was the owner of the home who had just stepped outside to walk the family dogs.

Reports said he first clung to a tree then ended up on a roof of a nearby house and called for help on his mobile phone.

AFP said a man was also found dead in his car following the floods, while two other people are missing.

Roads and schools have been closed across Sicily due to the severe weather, as well as public parks and underpasses.