Severe Storm Causes Devastating Floods in Emilia-Romagna and Marche
A violent storm has wreaked havoc in the Italian provinces of Emilia-Romagna and Marche, particularly impacting the coastal cities of Ravenna and Ancona. The storm, which began on Wednesday, has led to unprecedented rainfall, with 350 millimeters falling in Emilia-Romagna in just 48 hours. This extreme weather has forced the evacuation of over 1,000 residents, with 800 evacuations occurring in Ravenna alone. The situation is dire, as Cyclone Boris has caused significant flooding, particularly in the areas between Ravenna and Brisighella.
The Lamone River has overflowed, breaching a dam in Traversara di Bagnacavallo, leading to widespread flooding. Rescuers are currently using helicopters to save individuals trapped on rooftops, and reports indicate that two people are missing after a roof collapsed in Bagnacavallo where they sought refuge. Deputy Minister of Transport Galeazzo Bignami confirmed these reports, emphasizing the urgent need for rescue operations as entire neighborhoods in Ravenna face evacuation orders.
In the southern Marche region, 260 firefighters are actively responding to about 300 missions, with families evacuated due to landslides. Ancona has also seen significant disruptions, with emergency services freeing drivers trapped in floodwaters. Authorities have extended the red alert for the region until September 20th, as heavy rains are expected to continue.
Criticism is mounting against local authorities regarding flood management, particularly after a similar disaster in May 2023 that resulted in 15 fatalities and extensive damage. Residents express frustration over the lack of preventative measures taken since the previous flooding, with many citing climate change as a contributing factor to the recurring disasters.
As the storm's impact spreads, neighboring regions like Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland have also faced severe weather conditions, including deadly avalanches in the Alps. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and heed evacuation orders as the situation develops.
