Catastrophic flooding in southern Italy: 13 people killed, thousands left homeless

By Tychyna TetianaMay 19, 2023 16:45 PMEurope
Share:
Catastrophic flooding in southern Italy: 13 people killed, thousands left homeless
Flooding in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. Source: ansa.it

The Italian province of Emilia-Romagna, located in the south of the country, is seriously affected by a terrible flood. The devastation of Emilia-Romagna was caused by 300 millimetres of rainfall in just over 24 hours, resulting in a loss of life.

 
The worst flood in 100 years. Source: ansa.it

The areas hardest hit by the weather wave in recent days have experienced intense rainfall, causing the biggest emergency since the 2012 earthquake, Corriere della Sera reports.

 
People rescue their pets. Source: ansa.it

It is noted that watercourses have overflowed in about fifty locations, and more than a hundred landslides have occurred with catastrophic consequences: 13 people have been killed, tens of thousands of displaced people and people without electricity, hundreds of blocked roads, and billions of euros in damage.

 
23 rivers burst their banks. Source: ansa.it

At the same time, local infrastructure is being damaged, as houses and roads are being destroyed by the floods, and bridges are being demolished by the water.

 
13 people died in the flood. Source: ansa.it

On the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, the Motta Bridge, which connects Motta Budrio with San Martino in Argine in the Bologna region, collapsed after heavy rains. Firefighters advised the public not to go "for any reason near the affected area, as it seems that a gas pipeline is also involved". The situation in the area, also due to bank erosion, is particularly critical.

 
Rescuers have a lot of work to do. Source: ansa.it

Horrific stories of the victims of the massive floods

According to eyewitnesses, Mr Gianni Pavani died while on the phone, pleading for help on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. He had been on the phone for forty-seven minutes, talking about the disaster at his home.

The last moments of the phone conversation with his neighbour were terrifying: "I'm cold, very cold," Gianni repeated. - "The water has come in and is rising, I can see the furniture moving around the house". The next morning, the body of Mr Pavani, a pensioner who had worked all his life for an office furniture company in Imola, was found under two metres of water.

People also died from electrocution in the water that flooded their homes. In the prefecture of Ravenna, a couple of farmers went down into the already flooded basement of their home to get some meat from the fridge, possibly thinking they would have a supply of food while waiting for the forced isolation. Yesterday, investigators found electrocution marks on their bodies, apparently due to water coming into contact with the freezer's socket.

 
Roads and bridges are flooded. Source: ansa.it

Mr Giovanni Sella, aged 89, died in a horrific flood in the Ravenna area. He was suffering from an illness and was lying in bed unable to move, so his wife, also elderly, desperately tried to get him up to take him away. So she called the rescuers, went up to the first floor and, when the fire department helicopter arrived, waved her arms to attract attention. In a perfect manoeuvre, they let her out the window, and she immediately told the firefighters that her husband was also on the first floor, but that the water from the river had already flooded everything. The body was found the next day.

Top Articles
All-inclusive resorts in Mexico: top 15 places for an idyllic vacation

All-inclusive resorts in Mexico: top 15 places for an idyllic vacation

Dec 6, 2023 19:31 PM
Top 20 hotels in Paris: from grand palaces and historic mansions to boutique spas and romantic hideaways

Top 20 hotels in Paris: from grand palaces and historic mansions to boutique spas and romantic hideaways

Dec 6, 2023 13:18 PM

The best hotels in London with high ratings and good reviews. Atmospheric stay in the city on the Thames

Dec 6, 2023 09:36 AM

5 best hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico: Historic interiors, comfortable accommodations, and exclusive services

Dec 5, 2023 16:34 PM
More News
The choice of the British: which direction is popular this winter

The choice of the British: which direction is popular this winter

Dec 6, 2023 23:46 PM
How not to lose luggage during a trip

How not to lose luggage during a trip: four effective tips

Dec 6, 2023 23:32 PM

Aughton is a gastronomic wonder: an English village where you can dine in four Michelin-starred restaurants

Dec 6, 2023 23:11 PM

Tourism experts have presented a list of the best vacation destinations in 2024

Dec 6, 2023 20:56 PM
5 most beautiful railway stations in the world worthy of tourists' attention

5 most beautiful railway stations in the world worthy of tourists' attention

Dec 6, 2023 20:35 PM
Norwegian breaks world record by jumping into water from a 40.5 meter high cliff

Norwegian breaks world record by jumping into water from a 40.5 meter high cliff

Dec 6, 2023 20:18 PM
Air Canada offers real-time baggage tracking for domestic flights

Air Canada offers real-time baggage tracking for domestic flights

Dec 6, 2023 19:54 PM
American Airlines airplane

"American Airlines" is going to launch high-speed Wi-Fi on regional planes

Dec 6, 2023 19:04 PM
Climate threat to tuna: how climate change affects its future

Climate threat to tuna: how climate change affects its future

Dec 6, 2023 18:44 PM

How to sleep on the train: expert tips for a good night's sleep

Dec 6, 2023 18:24 PM

Fly faster: revolutionary boarding technology at Abu Dhabi Airport's Terminal A

Dec 6, 2023 18:03 PM
"Destination dupe" is a new hack that will send you on vacation to a hidden gem

"Destination dupe" is a new hack that will send you on vacation to a hidden gem

Dec 6, 2023 17:43 PM
Researchers' opinion: people die of old age because of dinosaurs

Researchers' opinion: people die of old age because of dinosaurs

Dec 6, 2023 17:22 PM
Scientists see the last moments of a whale's life for the first time: killer whales spend an hour resuscitating old Hunchy

Scientists see the last moments of a whale's life for the first time: killer whales spend an hour resuscitating old Hunchy

Dec 6, 2023 17:02 PM
5 most profitable airlines of the SkyTeam alliance

5 most profitable airlines of the SkyTeam alliance

Dec 6, 2023 16:34 PM

A walk along the coast of Berwickshire. Bright impressions and interesting landmarks from Scotland to England

Dec 6, 2023 16:17 PM

From the town hall to underground museums: Krakow fascinates Brits with its attractions and prices

Dec 6, 2023 15:52 PM
Flights to the future: Why space is becoming more accessible to all

Flights to the future: Why space is becoming more accessible to all

Dec 6, 2023 15:33 PM
Secrets of the Algarve region: The most beautiful sea cave in Portugal

Secrets of the Algarve region: The most beautiful sea cave in Portugal

Dec 6, 2023 13:34 PM
An ecological country with a rich history: Ireland is at the top of the eco-friendliness ranking

An ecological country with a rich history: Ireland is at the top of the eco-friendliness ranking

Dec 6, 2023 12:57 PM
Ryanair airplane

Passengers of Ryanair complain about a new additional fee: the carrier denies all accusations

Dec 6, 2023 12:42 PM
An ancient castle or an invisible house: 5 buildings worth booking on Airbnb

An ancient castle or an invisible house: 5 buildings worth booking on Airbnb

Dec 6, 2023 12:21 PM

In the United States, you can visit a restaurant-cinema where you can taste movies. Photos and videos

Dec 6, 2023 12:08 PM

Top 5 highly rated luxury resorts for 2024 that are well worth the cost

Dec 6, 2023 10:43 AM
Turkey

The most popular city in Turkey among tourists has been named

Dec 6, 2023 10:23 AM
The life of wealthy people: The 7 most common excesses of the super rich

The life of wealthy people: The 7 most common excesses of the super rich

Dec 6, 2023 09:56 AM