Six dead as unexpected downpours swamp Italy’s Tuscany

Six dead as unexpected downpours swamp Italy’s Tuscany

Web Desk
November 4, 2023

Six dead as unexpected downpours swamp Italy’s Tuscany

Six dead as unexpected downpours swamp Italy’s Tuscany.
Monia Monni emphasized the ongoing critical situation.
Roughly 48,000 people in the region were without electricity.

Six individuals lost their lives, and two others were reported missing due to rivers overflowing after a night of torrential rainfall in the central Italian region of Tuscany.

Initial concerns had revolved around the potential flooding of the historic city of Florence as the southern fringes of Storm Ciaran caused inundation in nearby towns. Fortunately, the high-water point passed without major incidents in mid-morning.

Monia Monni, regional councillor for civil protection, emphasized the ongoing critical situation, particularly in Campi Bisenzio, a town situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Florence.

Monni noted that while the water had receded in other areas, there remained a significant aftermath of mud and devastation resulting from the event.

Approximately 190 people were compelled to evacuate their residences, with 150 individuals affected in Campi Bisenzio. The ground floor properties suffered damage, parked cars were partially submerged, and rescue teams navigated flooded streets with rubber dinghies to reach those in need.

Enza Carfagna, a resident, shared her account of rescuing a wheelchair-bound neighbor from a ground floor unit using a blanket to transport her up the stairs. She recounted how the situation initially didn’t seem significant, with very little rain.

However, at around 9 p.m. (2000 GMT), an influx of brown water changed the scenario, prompting their rescue efforts.

The Italian government declared a state of emergency and earmarked an initial 5 million euros ($5.4 million) to assist the hardest-hit areas.

Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini revealed that roughly 48,000 people in the region were without electricity.

Tuscany President Eugenio Giani expressed that the region had not witnessed such a concentrated period of heavy rain in its history.

He noted that experts had informed him this was the most intense downpour in a century. Giani attributed the event to climate change, emphasizing the dire impact it had on the region.

In the northeastern Veneto region, one firefighter was reported missing, according to the local governor as mentioned by Sky TG24.

Weather alerts remained in effect in various Italian regions, with some schools closed. Italy has experienced a week of severe weather conditions, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Storm Ciaran, fueled by a potent jet stream originating from the Atlantic, brought forth heavy rain and strong winds, leading to significant flooding in Northern Ireland, parts of the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.

Italy, being particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, has witnessed several instances of flooding and extreme weather events. Notably, in May, floods in the Emilia-Romagna region claimed the lives of at least 14 people.

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