Low Boris, which has raged over Poland in recent days, has moved over the northern regions of Italy. As a result of flooding caused by heavy rainfall, more than a thousand people have been evacuated in the Emilia-Romagna region. According to local authorities, the situation is extremely difficult.
In recent days, the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna has been hit by a wave of heavy rainfall. It was caused by Boris, the same one that caused the worst flooding in Poland in many years.
In some places in northern Italy, including the city of Cesenatico, 200 litres of water fell per square metre.
More than a thousand people have been evacuated, but many are still trapped in their homes. Local authorities have urged residents to move to higher parts of buildings, taking with them drinking water, food, medicine, mobile phones and chargers.
Flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region (10:47 19/09/2024)PAP/EPA/DORIN MIHAI
An extremely difficult situation
Extreme rain caused local rivers to burst their banks, including the Senio, Savio, Lamone and Marzeno. Flooding inundated several towns and blocked local roads. The Senio River recorded levels “above historical maximums”, flooding the town of Castel Bolognese.
Flooded roads in Emilia-Romagna (10:47 19/09/2024)PAP/EPA/DORIN MIHAI
Landslides
Landslides were also reported in Bologna. The national fire service said it carried out more than 300 rescue operations in the city of Ascoli Piceno in the central Marche region – which borders Emilia-Romagna – and six families were evacuated in Osimo after a landslide threatened their homes.
The mayor of Forlì, Gian Luca Zattini, urged people living near the Montone River to leave their homes.
In many places, schools are closed and train services have been suspended. According to forecasts, rain may also appear in the coming days.
Flooding in Emilia-RomagnaPAP/EPA/Max Cavallari
Repeat from 2023
This is the second flood in just over a year to hit these areas. In May 2023, more than 10,000 people were evacuated due to a disaster in the Emilia-Romagna region.
PAP, ANSA, Reuters, ENEX, L’unione Sarda
photo-source">Main photo source: PAP/EPA/DORIN MIHAI
