Devastating flooding in Italy claims life, authorities issue red alert

Severe flooding struck the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy over the weekend, resulting in the tragic death of one individual.

Authorities have issued a red weather alert for several days due to the imminent threat of further flooding, Caliber.Az reports via Italian media. In just a matter of hours, the area experienced an astonishing 175 mm of rainfall.

Firefighters discovered the lifeless body of 20-year-old Simone Farinelli on October 21 in Pianoro, near Bologna.

Farinelli had been reported missing after his car was swept away by floods caused by the Zena River bursting its banks. His brother managed to escape the submerged vehicle.

The floods were triggered by torrential rain that led to nearly all rivers in Emilia-Romagna exceeding alert level 3, with conditions described as “worse than in May 2023,” when devastating floods resulted in 17 fatalities and extensive damage to the region.

In response to the extreme weather, authorities evacuated approximately 3,000 residents between October 20 and 21, including over 2,100 in Bologna and another 1,000 in Cadelbosco near Reggio Emilia. An extreme weather ‘red alert’ has been issued until October 21, affecting 13 municipalities, including Bologna, Reggio Emilia, and Modena, which are currently facing critical conditions.

Notably, firefighters conducted over 500 rescue operations across the region, with the most severe incidents reported in Bologna, Forlì, and Reggio Emilia.

As heavy rainfall continued to affect much of Italy, previously drought-stricken areas like Sicily also faced flooding, prompting evacuations and emergency responses. Roads in Catania transformed into rivers, underscoring the widespread impact of this extreme weather event.

The situation remains critical, and authorities continue to monitor the effects of the ongoing rainfall.

By Aghakazim Guliyev