Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has visited the Sicilian city of Messina, which suffered severe damage in the wake of last week's heavy rains.

The rains caused landslides and floods, which in turn claimed the lives of at least 22 people. At least 40 other people are still missing. Five hundred others are now homeless and taking shelter in schools and other temporary residences.

Mr Berlusconi said those affected would be exempt from taxes. However, despite this promise, the prime minister was not made welcome in Messina. He was forced to use a side door in the city hall to avoid residents who had gathered to voice their anger at what they saw as the government's failure to provide the region with funds for safer buildings.

The destruction has re-ignited discussion over the construction of a bridge between Sicily and the mainland. Opponents say the bridge's proposed four billion euro budget would be better used to improve the safety of the island's existing buildings.

Photo of Messina flood damage by EPA