Italy floods leave nine dead and force 13,000 from their homes

More than 20 rivers in Italy have overflowed, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and the displacement of 13,000 residents after six months’ worth of rainfall occurred within a day and a half. The flooding impacted nearly every river between the north-east coast at Rimini and the city of Bologna, spanning a distance of 115 kilometers (70 miles).

Approximately 280 landslides occurred, prompting additional evacuations. Residents described the situation as a devastating 48 hours, with water and mud engulfing their villages. Emergency responders assisted in the evacuation efforts, even rescuing a 97-year-old woman from her bedroom using a rubber dinghy.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was canceled due to the risk of flooding from the nearby Santerno river. In Ferrara, a Bruce Springsteen concert was set to proceed despite the regional disaster, drawing criticism from some individuals who believed it was inappropriate given the circumstances. The events have prompted calls for a national plan to address the impacts of climate change in Italy.

The country’s Civil Protection Minister emphasized the need for improved hydraulic engineering and the construction of regional dams. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has scheduled a crisis meeting to address the situation.

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