Storm havoc: Floods and mudslides devastate northern Italy
In the Aosta Valley and Piedmont, situated in the north of Italy, heavy rainfall and storms have caused significant destruction. These phenomena have triggered local floods and mudslides, which have destroyed many buildings and infrastructure. Emergency services are assisting hundreds of residents and tourists.
One of the most affected places is Cogne, located in the Aosta Valley. The town's residents, unable to return to their homes due to flooding and damaged roads, gathered in a local hotel. From there, around 200 people were evacuated by helicopter.
Other significant damage has been recorded in the Valnontey area.
Additionally, a stream overflowing in the Valtournenche area, also situated in the Aosta Valley, caused material losses in the centre of the popular resort town of Cervinia. Shops in this town were flooded.
The situation was also difficult at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif in the Pennine Alps, where around 30 people were trapped in a shelter. The Anza River overflowed, causing local floods in several locations.
In Piedmont, mudslides and local floods have cut off some villages from the world. The pressure of water has destroyed several bridges.
As much as seven inches of rain fell on Saturday in the town of Noasca. A tornado and a phenomenon known as a "water bomb" occurred there. Mayor Domenico Aimonino informed that 15 tourists received help. He added that the losses are enormous.
In these difficult conditions, the Italian Civil Protection aids the residents. It operates on many fronts, striving to ensure people's safety and minimise further losses.
