Severe Flooding in Northern Italy: Emergency Response and Climate Change Implications
Severe Storms and Flooding Hit Northern Italy, While Unseasonal Heat Wave Grips South
Northern Italy is currently facing a crisis as storms and severe rainfall have caused widespread flooding in cities such as Padua and Vicenza. Emergency personnel have been working tirelessly to rescue individuals from their homes using dinghies, as the governor of the Veneto region described the overnight weather as a “water bomb.”
In Borgo Mantovano, Lombardy, a freight train was overturned by gusts of wind reaching between 150 and 200km/h (93-120 mph). Local mayor Alberto Borsari took to social media to describe the situation as “really tough,” with many streets and basements flooded. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Meanwhile, the south of Italy is experiencing an unseasonal heat wave, with temperatures in Sicily reaching a scorching 35 degrees Celsius. In Sardinia, the south is facing extremely dry weather, leading to concerns for local wheat farmers who are expecting a significantly reduced yield due to water shortages. Water restrictions are expected in the area later this summer.
In Milan, up to 130mm (5in) of localized rain fell in a single day, causing flash floods. Local observers noted that such intense rainfall had not been recorded in May for over 170 years. In Veneto, a state of red alert has been declared until 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT) by Civil Protection authorities, particularly between Vicenza and Verona where water basins are overflowing after 70mm of rain in just 30 minutes.
Climate experts, including Professor Marco Marani from the University of Padua, warn that events like these are becoming more frequent and will continue to increase with global warming. In April, the EU climate agency Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization released a new State of the Climate report emphasizing the importance of flood defenses and climate action. Scientists projected that by 2023, one-third of rivers across Europe could surpass the “high” flood barrier, with 16% exceeding the “severe” line.
The situation in Italy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action and preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.
