Flooding hits northern Italy, with Florence and Pisa on high alert as torrential rain causes widespread disruption and landslides reported in several regions.
Torrential rain has prompted red alerts for flooding and landslides in parts of northern Italy, affecting cities such as Florence and Pisa. The situation is dire, with nearly a month’s worth of rain falling in Florence alone, causing widespread disruption to daily life.
The region’s president has warned residents to exercise ‘utmost attention and caution’ as local rescue and health services are on high alert. Landslides and mudslides have been reported in Bologna, with some residents evacuated ahead of heavy rain overnight. A family of four was rescued from a landslide in Badia Prataglia, Tuscany, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Florence has seen more than double its average March rainfall of 61mm in the past three days, with over 53mm falling in just six hours on Friday morning. The city’s Arno river is under pressure, with efforts underway to lower its level after torrential rain. Residents are advised against all travel due to flooding and fallen trees, with the A1 motorway partially closed.
Schools have been shut in over 60 municipalities in Tuscany, as well as several campuses of the University of Florence. The city’s education system is severely impacted by the flooding, which has disrupted classes and caused concern for students and staff alike.
The devastating floods brought by Storm Boris were made worse by climate change, scientists at the World Weather Attribution group said. Europe is the fastest-warming continent, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves and extreme rainfall. A hotter world means the atmosphere can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall.
Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to an increase in average global temperatures.
This phenomenon is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
As a result, the Earth's temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 1800s.
Rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and altered ecosystems are among the consequences of climate change.
Further heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to move across the northern half of Italy into Saturday, before drier weather begins to move in. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
