“Right now we have to try to salvage what can be saved. There is a coincidence of elements that makes the situation very complex.

“It is one of the most difficult days from a climatic point of view in recent years,” he told SkyTg24.

Musumeci said in Sicily, inclement conditions have meant aircraft have been grounded and unable to get into the air to put out fires.

“Everything that could be done with the fire brigade, the forestry corps, the civil protection, has been done,” he said.

“The force of nature tends to overwhelm that of man.”

Musumeci said these are extraordinary times.

“In Italy we are experiencing one of the most complicated days in recent decades: cloudbursts, tornadoes, hail in the North; torrid heat and devastating fires in the Centre-South.

“As we mourn the three victims of these 24 hours, I feel I must thank the fire brigade, the civil protection management and volunteers, the police force, the forestry workers and all those who have mobilised in the most difficult situations in these last few hours,” he continued.

“The climate upheaval demands a step change from all of us, with no alibis for anyone.

Meloni says the government “knew that today would be the most challenging day”, and that they are “are following the delicate situation minute by minute”. (Photo: ANSA)

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday she is in constant contact with Musumeci in relation to the “difficult” meteorological situation gripping Italy.

“I thank the Civil Protection, which has mobilised from the very start, and the fire brigade for the important work they are doing,” Meloni tweeted.

Earlier the prime minister told Non Stop News on Rtl 102.5, the government “knew that today would be the most challenging day”.

“We have a situation where very high temperatures are accompanied by wind, and this makes it impossible to use Canadair [firefighting aircraft]”, she said.

“It is a complex situation [but] the civil protection is mobilised, none of the firefighters have gone on holiday, and I say this to thank these people.

“We are following the delicate situation minute by minute,” Meloni added.

ANSA