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Devastating floods in Italy: the number of deaths continues to rise – "Little Apocalypse"

2023-05-19T11:48:35.946Z

Highlights: Floods in Italy: death toll rises to 14. Red alert level remains for area from Bologna to Rimini. New, large-scale rule cases predicted for Saturday in Emilia-Romagna region. Clean-up work has already begun in parts of the city of Cesena. In total, the damage caused by the floods and landslides is now estimated at several billion euros.. Violent storms and rainfall hit Italy. Floods cause deaths and several people are missing. The news ticker.



Violent storms and rainfall hit Italy. Floods cause deaths and several people are missing. The news ticker.

  • Floods in Italy: death toll rises to 14.
  • Severe weather alert in Italy: state of emergency due to flooding
  • Dramaticsituation in Italy: Germans among the fatalities in Emilia-Romagna
  • This news ticker on the storm and floods in Italy is updated regularly.

Update from May 19, 13:20 p.m.: In the Emilia-Romagna region, new, large-scale rule cases are predicted for Saturday. For the area from Bologna to Rimini, the red alert level remains, Sky TG24 reported. It is expected that the water levels of the rivers will rise again. The risk of landslides remains high.

Floods in Italy: New civil protection teams on their way to affected areas

Update from May 19, 12:37 p.m.: The storm in Italy continues unabated. Since the early hours of the morning it has been raining again between Bologna and Romagna. This is likely to complicate the work of civil protection. The authorities want to send ten more teams to the hardest-hit region of Emilia-Romagna in the afternoon. The aim is to support the region "in every possible way at this difficult moment," the Italian newspaper La Stampa quoted the authorities as saying.

The city of Ravenna and the surrounding area are also suffering from flooding. The bishop of the city, Monsignor Lorenzo Ghizzoni, spoke of a "small apocalypse". Water levels of up to seven meters have been reported. Families had saved themselves on their roofs. Around Ravenna, numerous villages were completely evacuated, the newspaper reported.

Severe weather in Italy: death toll rises to 14

Update from May 19, 10:30 a.m.: On Friday, the death toll continued to rise after the storms in Italy. At least 14 dead, reports Sky TG24. More people are still missing. Meanwhile, Irene Priolo, vice president of the hard-hit Emilia Romagna region, sees a problem with the return of the almost 10,000 evacuated people.

According to the vice president, the approximately six to seven thousand displaced villagers are likely to expect to return to their homes soon. After a few days or weeks, this should be possible "as soon as we restore the houses," says Priolo. In some places, the clean-up work has already begun. For the inhabitants on the slopes, however, the return is likely to be more difficult. "We have whole slopes that have collapsed," Priolo tells Sky TG24. The situation is endangered and the landslides can hardly be restored.

A view of Cesena on May 18th. Severe storms had caused the rivers to burst their banks. In the meantime, clean-up work has already begun in parts of the city of Cesena. © Alessandro Serrano/AFP

In total, the damage caused by the floods and landslides is now estimated at several billion euros. "We will rebuild everything," said Stefano Bonaccini, president of the Emilia-Romagna region, according to Sky TG24.

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Floods in Italy: Residents begin clean-up work – new storms announced

Update from May 19, 07:25 a.m.: After the devastating storms in northern Italy, clean-up work has begun in some villages. Videos from Cesena on Thursday showed residents shoveling the mud from the streets and sorting out destroyed belongings. "My married life is over there in the bin now," one local resident told Reuters, looking at the soaked wedding album in the video as she wiped tears from her eyes.

"I've lived here since I was born, but I've never seen anything like it," Simona Matassoni, owner of the Savio hotel in the small town of Cesena, told AFP. Mayor Enzo Lattuca called on all residents "under no circumstances to go to basements or basements" and, if possible, not to stay on the ground floor. Because: For the next few days, new rain has already been announced for the already flooded areas. In total, at least 13 people have died as a result of the muddy floods and landslides. In the hardest-hit region of Emilia-Romagna, in view of the river crossings and the risk of landslides, a red alert is again in effect on Friday, Sky TG24 reported.

Floods in Italy: death toll rises to 13

Update from May 18, 19:22 p.m.: The death toll after the devastating storms in Italy continues to rise. According to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, at least 13 people have died. The Emilia-Romagna region in the north is mainly affected. More than 10,000 people were evacuated. On Thursday, authorities in Ravenna ordered the immediate evacuation of the three villages of Villanova di Ravenna, Filetto and Roncalceci after the Lamone River burst its banks. The Foreign Office published a travel warning for Italy on Thursday due to "extreme weather".

Update from May 18, 17:30 p.m.: Many Italians are slowly returning to the regions affected by the storms. But those affected are presented with a picture of devastation on the ground: houses and furniture have been destroyed by the mud traps. In Ravenna, one of the hardest-hit provinces, at least 23 rivers burst their banks - and there are already warnings of new storms.

Regional President Stefano Bonaccini attributes this to the great drought and drought that previously prevailed in northern Italy. The parched soils could not absorb the sudden, torrential rains. Due to the floods, the mobile and power grids collapsed in many places. Drinking water pipes were also damaged. The death toll has risen to at least 11.

In Russi, a municipality in the Ravenna region, a couple (73 and 71 years old) has been found dead in their apartment. This is reported by La Stampa. The community had been flooded in the last few hours. The son of the two had already sounded the alarm on social media, as he could no longer reach his parents.

There is a great deal of sympathy in Italy. But new rain has already been announced for the coming days. It is expected to fall again in the areas already affected.

Severe weather in Italy: Renewed rainfall announced for northern Italy

Storms like these are a direct result of climate change, says expert Paola Pino d'Astore of the Italian Society for Environmental Geology (SIGEA), according to the Reuters news agency. "The climate crisis is here and we are already dealing with the consequences," she says. Catastrophes like these are therefore not a distant prospect for the future, but "the new normal".

Update from May 18, 15:31 p.m.: After the storms and severe floods that hit the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy at the beginning of the week, many will begin the clean-up work on Thursday. Bewilderment prevails. Within just under two days, as much rain fell in some places as normally in half a year. At least nine people died in the floods or from landslides. Some politicians use the term "apocalypse".

Update from May 18, 13:05 p.m.: In Emilia Romagna, the region hardest hit by the storm in Italy, 27,000 people are without electricity. This was reported by La Stampa, citing data from the Italian energy company Enel. About 170 generators and four power plants are in use to supply emergency power. In addition, more than 250 roads are closed in the region due to the risk of landslides.

In the Bologna area, authorities are once again warning of river crossings. Attempts are being made to limit the water levels. In the course of the day, further storms are expected in Italy. According to civil protection, red alert will also be declared for Friday, Sky TG24 reported.

Update from May 18, 10:55 a.m.: The storm on the Adriatic coast continues to worry Italy. Authorities recorded 280 landslides and 400 blocked roads on Wednesday. 23 rivers had burst their banks in the provinces of Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena and Rimini. Also on Thursday there are still floods, closed roads and bridges - the Emilia-Romagna region is particularly affected.

This was a crucial test, especially for the emergency services. To around 2000 operations, the fire brigade moved out in the past 48 hours, it was said on Thursday morning. More than 900 emergency personnel were on site. Pictures and videos from the regions show how entire villages and fields are under water.

Floods in Italy: As much rain as usual in six months

Update from May 18, 9:55 a.m.: After the storm in Italy, the risk of landslides and flooding remains high. In the past 36 hours, more rain has fallen in the hard-hit region of Emilia-Romagna than the average in six months, the region's president, Stefano Bonaccini, told Sky TG24. The extent of the devastation of the storm corresponds to that of an earthquake. The damage is so far estimated at an amount in the billions.

According to the Autostrade per l'Italia, there was a major landslide on the highway on Thursday morning. The A1 in the direction of Florence is affected. In the meantime, a 14-kilometer traffic jam has formed.

Update from May 18, 7:50 a.m.: After the floods in Italy, landslides are now feared, reported the news portal La Stampa. Although hardly any rain showers are expected on Thursday, there is still a red alert for new floods. After the violent storms, nine people have died so far.

So far, about 13,000 people have been evacuated, it said. Villanova di Ravenna, Filetto and Roncalceci are subject to immediate evacuation in view of the risk of flooding. Buses are to be used to take residents out of the villages. Already on Thursday night there were river crossings in the Ravenna area. Many people are still without electricity.

Floods in Italy: 50,000 people are without electricity

Update from May 17, 22:31 p.m.: Because of the sometimes extreme floods in Italy, 50,000 people are without electricity and 100,000 people without a mobile phone network, according to the civil protection. Regional rail services in Emilia-Romagna have been completely suspended.

In 36 hours, it rained an average of 200 liters of water per square meter, in some areas even 500 liters, according to Stefano Bonaccini, president of the hardest-hit region Emilia-Romagna.

Update from May 17, 19:50 p.m.: The storms in Italy continue. The amount of rain for months falls within a few hours. On Wednesday, the Italian Civil Protection called on residents of northern Italy to avoid unnecessary trips by car and to work from home if possible. A red alert has already been issued for Thursday.

Update from May 17, 15:56 p.m.: The death toll as a result of the devastating storms in Italy has risen to nine. On Wednesday afternoon, a 44-year-old man drowned in San Lazzaro di Savena near Bologna, as reported by the Italian La Stampa, among others.

Floods in Italy: man drowns in front of house

According to the report, the man wanted to clean his flooded garage and lowered himself with a pump into a shaft in front of his house. He apparently fell into the shaft and then drowned. Surveillance cameras in the vicinity are supposed to prove this theory with video recordings.

Floods in Italy: death toll rises to eight – red alert remains on alert

Update from May 17, 14:21 p.m.: It is a tragic record: At least eight people have died in the floods in Italy. Several people are still missing. Thousands had to leave their homes in the Emilia-Romagna region. The areas around Bologna, Faenza and the Ravenna area are particularly affected. The cities of Cesena, Faenza, Senigallia, Riccione and Rimini struggled with masses of water. The flooded A14 motorway near Bologna is closed. Rail traffic is at a standstill. The planned Formula 1 race – the Imola Grand Prix – at the weekend has been cancelled.

"24 municipalities are flooded, 50,000 are without electricity," Italy's Minister of Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, said on Wednesday. The rain is subsiding at the moment. A brief ray of hope after the torrential rainfall in the past few hours. However, due to the heavy rainfall in the last few hours, flooding is still to be expected in the valley sections. Precipitation in the higher areas is yet to arrive, experts warn.

In addition, new storms are already forecast for Thursday (18 May). Emilia-Romagna is still on red alert. After a brief improvement in the weather without precipitation, the red alert level will apply from 18 p.m. on Thursday until midnight on Friday. Romagna and Bologna are again particularly affected. But also in the Marche and in Tuscany, the Italian Civil Protection warns of storms.

Update of May 17, 13:27 p.m.: The death toll in the province of Forlì continues to rise. Meanwhile, six fatalities have been reported. A man died, according to media reports, in a landslide in his garden in the area of Cesena. According to initial findings, a hill near his house had collapsed because of the heavy rainfall. The man had been buried by the masses of earth.

Critical weather conditions in Italy: Formula 1 wants to cancel GP in Imola

Update from May 17, 13:15 p.m.: Formula 1 in Imola will probably be cancelled due to the sometimes dramatic floods in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. The Italian news agency Ansa claims to have learned this from circles. The Imola Grand Prix was supposed to take place this weekend. An official confirmation is still pending.

Woman's corpse on the beach of Cesenatico – Mayor comments on details

Update of May 17, 12:34 p.m.: After the discovery of a woman's body on the beach of Cesenatico, much is still unclear. According to initial information, it is said to be a German, according to several Italian media. "We do not yet know the reasons, there are investigations by the police," said the mayor of Cesenatico, Matteo Gozzoli, in a live statement on Facebook, as reported by the Italian newspaper La Stampa. The body was found on the beach, the mayor emphasized. The storm claimed at least five lives in Italy. The official number of missing has yet to be determined, they say.

Storms and floods in Italy: death toll rises

Update from May 17, 12:12 p.m.: The death toll is rising. Five people have died in the severe storm in Italy. This is confirmed by the prefecture of Forlì-Cesena, in the Emilia-Romagna region. Carabinieri divers discovered two bodies in the town of Forlì. It is said to be a man and a woman, both had been reported missing in the last few hours.

More rain and more red alert: Thousands of people have to be evacuated

Update from May 17, 11:28 a.m.: Entire neighborhoods are flooded. Some of the water reaches up to the first floor. The Savio River is experiencing extreme flooding. 5,000 people have to be evacuated in Emilia Romagna, reports the Italian news agency Ansa, citing the Minister of Civil Protection Nella Musumeci. The consequences of the storm are not yet foreseeable. Chaos reigns on the Adriatic Sea. Only gradually do reports arrive.

Train services between Florence and Bologna are restricted. Some routes to Rimini are completely closed or restricted.

Storm in Italy: Motta Bridge near Bologna collapses

Update from May 17, 10:58 a.m.: In Italy, the situation remains critical. The Motta Bridge in the Bologna area collapsed. It could not withstand the masses of water during the night, the pressure was too great, reports the Italian newspaper Repubblica.

Motorways, such as the A14, are flooded and sections are temporarily closed to traffic. On some roads, a so-called transit ban for heavy vehicles has been issued to facilitate the operations of emergency services.

Dramatic situation in Italy: Germans among the fatalities in Emilia-Romagna

Update from May 17, 10 a.m.: The severe weather situation in Italy continues. The Emilia Romagna region in particular has been hit by severe flooding.

At least three people died, including a woman from Germany. The body was found on the beach of Cesenatico Wednesday morning. This is reported by several Italian media outlets. Masses of water are believed to have washed the woman's body onto the beach.

Severe weather alert in Italy: State of emergency due to flooding – three dead

First reported on May 17, 2023: Rome – The Civil Protection had already warned on Monday of severe storms with floods and landslides in Italy. Emilia Romagna and Marche are now in a state of emergency. The situation is developing dynamically, the situation is getting worse: three people have died and at least four are currently missing. Hundreds were evacuated. Further storms have been announced.

Severe weather in Italy causes dramatic flooding

Severe storms have been hitting Emilia Romagna and Marche since Tuesday. The areas around Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena, Rimini and Bologna are affected by flooding. The Italian fire brigade Vigili del Fuoco is in continuous operation.

In the city of Cesena, the Savio River has burst its banks. Emergency services are rescuing dozens of people who were trapped on the roofs of their homes. A family with two young children has to be evacuated from their home in Forlì. Motorists, trapped in masses of water, must be freed from their vehicles.

Floods also in Croatia

After days of rainfall, floods have caused damage in parts of Croatia. The Una, a tributary of the Sava, had burst its banks. Civil defense and volunteers erected dams out of sandbags. The authorities in the community of 2,700 inhabitants declared a state of emergency.

There were also floods in the small town of Obrovac near Zadar in the Dalmatian hinterland. There, the old town had already been flooded on Monday after the river Zrmanja had burst its banks. On Tuesday, the water level dropped again, according to media reports. But more rainfall is also predicted there in the next few days. (ml/dpa)

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2023-05-19

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