Torrential rainfall in northern Italy has led to red weather alerts across Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Authorities are on high alert for flooding and mudslides, with schools closing and rescue operations underway in affected areas.
Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna Face Severe Flooding and Landslides
Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna Face Severe Flooding and Landslides
Heavy rains spark red alerts in Florence and Pisa as authorities issue warnings for flooding and landslides.
Flooding and landslides have gripped northern Italy as cities, including Florence and Pisa, brace for severe weather conditions. Red alerts were issued for parts of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna following torrential rains, which are expected to continue into Friday afternoon. Local authorities in Tuscany have urged residents to remain vigilant and cautious amidst the threats of extreme weather.
In Bologna, heavy rainfall prompted landslides that forced the evacuation of local residents on Thursday evening. Fortunately, by mid-morning Friday, reports indicated that the worst of the flooding had subsided. A family of four was rescued from a landslide in Badia Prataglia, while the national fire brigade reported numerous calls following flooding in the Rimaggio area of Sesto Fiorentino, located on the northern outskirts of Florence.
Flood defenses are being implemented in Pisa due to rising water levels in the Arno river, which has surpassed initial flood-risk thresholds. Roads have suffered damage from flooding and downed trees, leading authorities to advise against travel in Florence, especially after the partial closure of the A1 motorway.
As a precaution, schools and several campuses of the University of Florence have shut down in more than 60 municipalities across Tuscany. Red alerts are expected to remain in effect for the duration of the day, with some rivers in Emilia-Romagna already swollen from previous rainfall.
This extreme weather comes after significant flooding events in September 2024, which resulted in over 1,000 evacuations in the northeastern region. The region continues to grapple with the remnants of past weather disasters, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and severe weather patterns across Europe.
