Italy Floods: Death Toll Surges to at Least 13, Numerous People Displaced
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Loading... - Zach Jackson
- 19 May 2023
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The death toll in Italy's northern Emilia-Romagna region has risen to a minimum of 13, and thousands of individuals have been displaced following a catastrophic flood, according to local authorities on Thursday (May 18).
This tragic event occurred as more than 20 rivers overflowed their banks, resulting in a day and a half's worth of rainfall that typically occurs over a six-month period.
Rescue workers continue their search for anyone still trapped by the floodwaters in the affected Italian region. The heavy downpours wreaked havoc on homes and farms, and two elderly farmers in their 70s reportedly lost their lives, potentially due to electrocution while attempting to move a refrigerator within a flooded house, as reported by Italian media citing AFP.
According to officials, approximately 300 landslides have been recorded, and over 10,000 individuals have been displaced. Additionally, as of early Thursday, around 400 roads have been damaged or destroyed, and 42 municipalities have been affected by the floods.
Emilia-Romagna President Stefano Bonaccini, addressing the media, likened the situation to a new earthquake, drawing parallels to the seismic events that struck the region in 2012, resulting in the destruction of numerous homes. However, he expressed confidence in the region's ability to rebuild, stating that it had been accomplished before and could be done again.
As of Thursday, locals were observed navigating through polluted water, while authorities managed to restore partial electricity. Nevertheless, 27,000 individuals remain without power. The Coldiretti agricultural association reported that over 5,000 farms, including the renowned "Fruit Valley" as well as corn and grain fields, have been submerged.
Evacuations and rescue operations have been underway. The authorities in Ravenna issued an immediate evacuation order early Thursday morning for three additional villages at risk of flooding. Mayor Michele De Pascale of Ravenna announced that residents from approximately six towns were permitted to return but cautioned them to exercise extreme caution due to potential risks posed by cracks in the river embankments. AFP reported that a couple in Ronta di Cesena lost their lives, presumably struck by a wall of water while checking on their aromatic herb farm.
Furthermore, evacuations were ordered in towns west of Ravenna overnight, and residents in Villanova were instructed to seek refuge on higher floors. The Italian coastguard successfully rescued two elderly individuals who had sought shelter on the roof of their flooded house in Faenza.
Although Thursday witnessed less rainfall, with light rain expected on Friday, authorities remain on high alert. Emphasizing the severity of the situation, Bonaccini stated, "When we receive six months' worth of rain within 36 hours, particularly following heavy rain just two weeks ago, no region can withstand such circumstances." Late on Wednesday, he expressed this sentiment.
