Heavy storms and downpours have caused widespread flooding and flash floods in northern regions of Italy, resulting in one death and significant damage in the regions of Liguria and Tuscany.
Heavy downpours in these regions in recent days have caused rivers and streams to overflow, with national media reporting several landslides in upland areas.
More than 200 millimetres (7.9 inches) of rain fell in 18 hours in Liguria alone on 16 October, and parts of Tuscany were flooded after 100 millimetres of rain fell in just an hour.
Rivers and streams are overflowing in the region and numerous precautions have been taken to limit the damage, such as stopping the Genoa-Ventimiglia railway and closing and reopening the A10 motorway between Varazze and Arenzano due to flooding. Two flights to Genoa were diverted to Pisa and Turin, while flights from Rome, Pisa and to Catania were delayed.
Due to the severe weather, several cities including Genoa, Rapallo, Savona and Chiavari in Liguria, and Livorno and Siena in Tuscany faced water damage and transport chaos.
A red alert has been issued for the Entella and Magra rivers in Liguria due to the high risk of flooding. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents in the affected areas to take precautions and stay indoors.
A 75-year-old hiker died after being swept away by floodwaters in a forest area.
Schools closed, travel warnings issued
The heavy rains also caused significant structural damage, with footage appearing on social media showing floodwaters pouring over the Sori Bridge in Genoa, creating a waterfall-like flow. In Siena, water flooded the railway station, inundating the tracks and disrupting services, while in Florence, tram lines were damaged due to heavy rainfall.
Authorities closed primary and secondary schools in the worst affected areas to ensure the safety of students.
The Civil Defence Department has issued warnings across Liguria and Tuscany, advising residents to avoid non-essential travel and remain vigilant as weather conditions continue to pose a risk.
In September, northern Italy was hit by Hurricane Boris. And it was the region that was hit that suffered the most powerful flood just a year and a half ago. The most powerful blow of Hurricane Boris came to the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, where torrential rains flooded several cities at once. Scientists say that the extreme weather phenomena were the result of an abnormally hot summer.
