(ANSA) - Messina, October 29 - The city of Messina in Sicily has been stuck without water for the past six days after a landslide damaged a pipe and system operators said on Thursday that it would likely be another six days before the problem was fixed.

On Wednesday further landslides caused mud to obstruct technicians trying to repair the damaged pipe in Calatabiano.

More bad weather is also expected in coming days, making repair efforts difficult.

Residents have been forced to turn to the few functioning street fountains and cisterns to stock up on water.

Messina Mayor Renato Accorinti on Thursday called for help from the Italian government and said a state of natural disaster should be declared.

Water system authorities have suggested a by-pass could be set up between two Sicilian aqueducts as a temporary measure to resolve the emergency.

Officials have been meeting since Thursday morning in the office of the city's prefect, trying to come up with a solution.

Dozens of residents are staging a protest outside the office.

"It was obvious after the first day of emergency…it would have been right to set up a hotline for disabled and elderly people who are having difficulties. There has been hardly any information given," said Dino Smedile, a disabled local council official attending the rally.

