Italy Floods: Northern Regions Devastated, Schools Closed

Italy's Northern Flood Crisis

 “we are in a full emergency and the event is very similar to what we had last May...”

Italy Floods - over 500 rescues conducted as helicopters evacuate stranded residents.

Devastating floods have hit northern Italy, particularly the town of Lugo, with a population of around 30,000, located west of Ravenna. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of all ground-floor homes after the Senio River overflowed due to heavy rainfall from a low-pressure system called Boris. This severe weather system has brought the worst flooding in at least 20 years to areas spanning from Romania to Poland, claiming at  least 23 lives over the past week.

Flood Details:

Intensity: The rain began on Wednesday, forcing authorities to close schools and halt certain train services.

Evacuations: Approximately 1,000 individuals have been evacuated.

Comparison to Last Year: The current number of evacuees is significantly lower than last year's major floods.

For context, last year's floods in Emilia-Romagna were catastrophic, with 17 fatalities, over 50,000 people displaced, and widespread damage. The region experienced unprecedented rainfall, with some areas receiving six months' worth of rain in just 36 hours. The floods were described as the worst disaster in a century by Michele De Pascale, the mayor of Ravenna.

The affected region is still reeling from two rounds of flooding in May 2023, which resulted in 17 fatalities and damages estimated at 8.5 billion euros ($9.5 billion). Michele De Pascale, the Mayor of Ravenna, described the current situation as a “full emergency” and noted its similarity to last May's flooding. The region is struggling to cope with the repeated devastation.

Flooding Impact:

-Death Toll: At least 23 lives lost across areas from Romania to Poland

Previous Flooding: 17 fatalities and 8.5 billion euros ($9.5 billion) in damages in May 2023

Current Situation: Evacuations ordered, with thousands affected and widespread damage reported

The floods have also disrupted daily life, with schools closed and essential services impacted. Rescue operations are underway, with emergency services working to evacuate those in need. The Italian government has promised emergency aid to support affected communities.

The Mayor of Ravenna, Michele De Pascale said, “we are in a full emergency and the event is very similar to what we had last May.”

He added, “devastating rains fell on the hilly parts of Emilia-Romagna on Wednesday, with the water then washing down and overwhelming cities in lowland areas.”

Italy's National Fire Department reported conducting over 500 rescue operations in the flood-hit area, with helicopters deployed to evacuate stranded residents from flooded homes.