As Florence and Pisa face significant flooding due to relentless rain, authorities have issued red alerts for parts of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, prompting precautionary measures and evacuations.
Flooding Crisis Hits Florence and Pisa, Red Alerts Issued
Flooding Crisis Hits Florence and Pisa, Red Alerts Issued
Red weather alerts warn of severe flooding and landslides across Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna as torrential rain affects northern Italy.
Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across northern Italy, leading to substantial flooding and landslides in the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Red weather alerts have been issued for several key cities, including Florence and Pisa, as clouds of torrential downpours are expected to linger into Friday afternoon.
Tuscany's president emphasized the importance of safety, urging citizens to remain cautious. The region has seen alarming incidents, such as landslides in Bologna, which forced evacuations before a spell of heavy overnight rain. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported thus far, and by mid-morning on Friday, officials noted that the most severe flooding appeared to have subsided.
In a alarming rescue effort, firefighters saved a family of four from a landslide in Badia Prataglia, Tuscany, reported local media. The national fire brigade received numerous distress calls concerning local flooding, particularly after the Rimaggio river swelled and inundated areas near Sesto Fiorentino, just outside Florence.
In response to these hazards, local authorities in Pisa have been working tirelessly to erect flood defenses along the Arno river, which has reportedly surpassed critical levels of risk. The effect of the flooding has also been felt on the roads, with fallen trees and waterlogged routes prompting urgent travel advisories for residents. Major closures on the A1 motorway have been noted.
The situation remains precarious as many schools across over 60 municipalities in Tuscany, including several campuses of the University of Florence, are closed in anticipation of continued severe weather. With rivers in Emilia-Romagna already at risk from previous downpours, the region is still reeling from past flooding events, raising concerns for the safety and wellbeing of its inhabitants.
