Lombardy calls for a state of emergency due to bad weather
The article reports on severe weather conditions affecting multiple regions in northern Italy, including the Trentino, Bresciano, and Liguria areas. In the Val Genova, a landslide blocked the road at Malga Bedole due to heavy rainfall, causing the Rio Gabbiolo to overflow. No people or vehicles were involved because the road was closed based on weather forecasts. Emergency services, including mountain basin services, volunteer firefighters, and park rangers, are working to clear the area. In the Bresciano region, landslides and flooding forced the evacuation of 81 residents in Sonico and Malonno, with efforts ongoing to control floodwaters in Malonno. In Liguria, heavy downpours exceeding 15mm in five minutes were recorded, with thunderstorms and lightning affecting the area. Regional President Marco Bucci is monitoring the situation closely with the regional protection chief.
The Lombardy region has formally requested a state of emergency following severe weather conditions that have caused widespread damage across northern Italy. The request was made by Governor Attilio Fontana, who has instructed regional officials to prepare documentation for submission to the national government. According to reports, heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and storm surges have led to the evacuation of approximately 400 residents. The situation has been particularly critical in the provinces of Brescia, Bergamo, Sondrio, Como, and Lecco, with multiple areas experiencing infrastructure disruptions and safety concerns. The extreme weather has resulted in significant hydrological impacts, including rising water levels in Lake Como. Over the past week, the lake’s level has increased by more than half a meter, reaching 22 centimeters above the reference point. This rise has affected navigation and tourism activities in the high Lario area, where some roads were temporarily closed due to flooding. Regional meteorological data indicates that precipitation totals reached up to 250 millimeters in the Alps and 240 millimeters along the western shore of Lake Como. These figures highlight the intensity of the downpours, which have contributed to the current crisis. Emergency services have been working around the clock to manage the fallout. Firefighters have conducted over 200 interventions, including the evacuation of 250 individuals from a camping site threatened by floodwaters. In the Bergamasca region, 350 people were evacuated, primarily from a campsite in Isola di Fondra, where they were relocated to community centers and private accommodations. In other parts of the region, road closures have persisted, such as the partially reopened State Road Regina near Como, while the SP 67 remains blocked in the Lecco area. Meanwhile, in the municipality of Ponte di Legno, a lightning strike damaged a cable car system, though no injuries were reported. The impact of the weather extends beyond Lombardy. In Tuscany, more than 8,000 lightning strikes were recorded within two hours, accompanied by strong winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour. Damage has been reported throughout the Pistoiese region, with fallen trees and structural issues affecting several towns. In Viareggio, an oak tree fell onto parked vehicles, though no one was injured. Similarly, in Empoli, a large tree collapsed onto the road. In Grosseto, a small tornado reportedly damaged a building's roof. Power outages have also occurred in several locations, including San Casciano Val di Pes. In Liguria, the situation has been equally challenging. Heavy rains and strong gusts have triggered landslides and flooded areas. In the town of Levanto, over 15 millimeters of rain fell within five minutes, while Montoggio recorded 65.6 millimeters in an hour. Lightning activity has been extensive, with more than 25,000 strikes registered since midnight. The region continues to experience intermittent power cuts, and emergency crews are actively addressing these incidents. Local authorities have confirmed that while there are no major casualties, the damage to infrastructure and property is considerable. In the Trentino region, a landslide has blocked a mountain pass near Genova, with debris reaching two meters in height. The River Gabbiolo has overflowed, prompting the closure of the road to pedestrians and vehicles. Emergency personnel, including volunteers and park rangers, are currently clearing the area. The regional civil protection office has issued alerts for potential weather-related hazards, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring. Across the northern regions, the weather has brought both challenges and opportunities. While the immediate focus remains on recovery efforts and restoring normalcy, the increased water levels in Lake Como could benefit the summer tourist season, particularly for recreational boating. However, this comes amid ongoing concerns about the long-term effects of such extreme weather patterns. As the weather improves, with forecasts indicating clearer skies and warmer temperatures by Saturday, the priority will shift toward assessing the full extent of the damage and planning for future resilience against similar events.
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