Northern Italy is grappling with a devastating wave of flooding that has left communities reeling and emergency services scrambling. The latest deluge comes after weeks of heavy rainfall and storms, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Tuscany was one of the first regions to be hit, with the Sterza river bursting its banks and unleashing a flash flood that swept through a house rented by tourists from Germany. The force of the water was so strong that two members of the family – a grandmother and a 5-month-old child – are still missing. The rest of the family managed to cling to columns on the porch and nearby trees before being rescued.
The northeast region of Veneto followed suit, with 48 hours of intense rainfall leading to widespread flooding. The regional president, Luca Zaia, declared a state of emergency in the Veneto, highlighting the severity of the situation. The provinces of Treviso, Padua, Vicenza, Verona, and Venice were particularly affected, with firefighters responding to over 450 calls.
Adding to the ongoing disaster, the Emilia Romagna region, which was devastated by flooding just over a year ago, is experiencing its third flood in that short span. This repeated exposure to extreme weather events is raising concerns about the long-term impact on communities and infrastructure.
Scientists emphasize that climate change is a key factor in the intensification of these adverse weather events. The elevated temperatures of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas have exacerbated the atmospheric blockage, leading to persistent storms and heavy rainfall.
The search for the missing grandmother and child in Tuscany continues, with Italian firefighters working tirelessly to locate them. This tragic event underscores the devastating consequences of extreme weather and the urgent need to address climate change.
