The northern city of Vicenza has been spared the worst effects of the current floods due to the presence of retention basins, Veneto Governor Luca Zaia said on Wednesday.
"We are experiencing a meteorological event with a strong impact due to its characteristics, and which should be cataloged in the history of the Veneto region as a major flooding event, but Vicenza has been saved by the lamination basins," said Zaia after recent heavy rainfall left several parts of the city underwater.
"We have removed three million cubic meters of water from Vicenza. It is all water that we stop before it reaches the basements of houses. This is the way to protect the country," headed, referring to retention basis built to mitigate flooding along the main waterways.
"We need another billion euro to complete the works. Let's say we are testing them not with simulations, but with real water. I am pleased. It is an answer to those who say the works should not be done," he continued.
"Veneto is presenting itself as a national model: if it rains in the wrong place we end up under water, but where we have intervened (with mitigation measures, ed.) we are in the game.
We must invest in a Marshall Plan to finance hydraulic works. It is not true that we must accept what nature brings us, if we have damaged the territory with building, at least we can lower the risk level with hydraulic works," concluded Zaia.
The governor also said the recent rainfall figures were comparable to Storm Vaia in 2018, and to the so-called great flood of 2010. "Had the works not been in place we would be facing another disaster," he continued.
During Storm Vaia 187 millimeters fell in the area in 24 hours, compared to 188 millimeters on Tuesday.
One of the areas worst hit by the flooding is the neighborhood around the Romeo Menti stadium, where the playing field is never reported to be unaffected.
Flooding has also led to the closure of the city ring road and other thoroughfares and caused extensive disruptions to local and intercity rail services.
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