Heavy rains have caused significant flooding and landslide risks in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, with local authorities urged to remain vigilant. Residents are advised to limit travel and evacuations have been initiated in high-risk areas.
Severe Weather Alerts in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna as Flooding Strikes Northern Italy
Severe Weather Alerts in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna as Flooding Strikes Northern Italy
Red alerts for flooding and landslides have been issued in key areas, prompting urgent responses and cautious measures from local officials.
Flooding and landslide warnings have escalated in parts of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy, as heavy rainfall continues to pose a risk to residents in cities like Florence and Pisa. The Italian meteorological service has issued red alerts indicating critical flooding and landslide dangers, prompting local authorities to prepare their emergency response teams.
Tuscany's president has emphasized the need for vigilance among residents, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to the ongoing severe weather conditions. Some areas, including Bologna, have already reported landslides resulting in evacuations the previous evening as a precaution against anticipated heavy rainfall.
While no casualties have been recorded, local authorities in Florence indicated that the most intense flooding had subsided by mid-morning on Friday. However, a family of four was reportedly rescued in Badia Prataglia after being trapped by a landslide, highlighting the ongoing threat.
The national fire brigade noted a surge in emergency calls regarding flash flooding, particularly around the Rimaggio river, affecting neighborhoods in the Sesto Fiorentino area, on the outskirts of Florence. In an effort to mitigate rising water levels, emergency repair works and flood defences along the Arno river in Pisa have been mobilized, as officials warned that it has surpassed early flood-risk levels.
Travel disruptions are significant, as reports indicate that roads are submerged and numerous trees have fallen due to the extreme weather. Residents in Florence have been strongly advised to avoid travel, particularly as the A1 motorway faced partial closures. Additionally, educational institutions, including over 60 municipalities and several campuses of the University of Florence, have suspended operations until the situation stabilizes.
The red weather alerts, which signal serious risks of widespread flooding, are expected to remain in effect throughout the day. Conditions have already been compounded by past precipitation, leaving rivers in Emilia-Romagna swollen and vulnerable. After experiencing devastating flooding in previous years, including the tragic loss of 13 lives after torrential rain in 2023, the region remains on high alert for potential disaster.
