Na Lošinju odpravljajo posledice neurja, na Krku strela zadela žensko

A woman was struck by lightning while using an umbrella in a camp on the island of Krk, Croatia, according to eyewitness accounts. The incident occurred amid severe weather conditions affecting the Adriatic coast, with the Croatian State Hydrological and Meteorological Institute issuing a yellow weather warning for the entire coastal area. The woman was immediately assisted by a nearby rescuer who began CPR before she was transported by helicopter to a hospital, where she is currently receiving intensive care. The storm system that caused the lightning strike also affected the island of Lošinj, where heavy rains and strong winds led to widespread damage in camps and tourist areas. A waterspout, described as a tornado over water, struck the islands early Sunday morning, causing significant destruction in the camps of Lopari and Rapoča. Trees were uprooted, vehicles and caravans damaged, and several boats were pushed ashore by the powerful wind. Local authorities and residents worked together to clear debris and restore access to roads blocked by fallen trees and flooded areas. Two individuals sustained injuries during the storm on Lošinj. One person required emergency surgery and remains in intensive care, while the other has recovered and been released for home care. Both were evacuated by helicopter to the rescue clinic. In addition to the injured, the storm disrupted a concert featuring Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny in Milan, Italy, forcing organizers to evacuate thousands of attendees after the weather worsened unexpectedly. Reports indicate that the evacuation process was poorly managed, leading to confusion and panic among the crowd. The waterspout that struck Lošinj is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting the Adriatic region and northern Italy, particularly the Po Valley. According to experts, such phenomena are relatively common in these areas, often occurring during late spring and summer months. The waterspout can reach speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and typically spans around 100 meters in width. These storms are difficult to predict due to their sudden formation and intensity. In August 2024, a similar waterspout sank a 56-meter-long sailboat in the Tyrrhenian Sea near the small fishing village of Porticello, close to Palermo. Another notable incident occurred in November 2019, when a waterspout devastated an area in just ten seconds. Such events highlight the unpredictable nature of these weather systems and the potential danger they pose to both land and sea activities. Eyewitnesses reported that the woman struck by lightning on Krk was using an umbrella when the bolt hit her. A rescuer who was nearby immediately started cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which likely contributed to her survival. She was then airlifted to the hospital, where medical staff confirmed she is in stable condition but requires continued treatment. Local officials have emphasized the importance of preparedness for extreme weather events, especially given the increasing frequency of such occurrences in recent years. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and warn residents and tourists to remain cautious as further storms are forecast for the region. Emergency services remain on high alert, ready to respond to any additional incidents that may arise from the ongoing weather instability. Residents and visitors on the islands have expressed concern over the impact of the storm, with many describing the experience as frightening and chaotic. Some have called for improved infrastructure and better communication strategies to help mitigate the risks associated with sudden and severe weather changes. Meanwhile, cleanup efforts continue on Lošinj, where local volunteers and professionals work side by side to restore normalcy to the affected areas. The Croatian meteorological service has advised all coastal communities to stay informed through official channels and to take necessary precautions against potential flooding and strong winds. As the weather continues to fluctuate, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and minimizing the disruption caused by the ongoing storm activity.