Severe Flooding Forces Evacuations in Tuscany Amid Historic Rainfall
Italian authorities have issued evacuation orders for dozens of residents in Tuscany following heavy rains that have swollen rivers and flooded streets near the iconic cities of Florence and Pisa. Regional chief Eugenio Giani announced a red weather alert, urging residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution due to the intense and persistent downpours.
As a precautionary measure, firefighters assisted with evacuations from low-lying villages and floodplains near Pisa, according to reports from the ANSA news agency. In Florence, the world-renowned Uffizi Galleries and the Duomo, one of the city's most famous landmarks, announced early closures to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
Images shared by the fire service depicted vehicles partially submerged in Sesto Fiorentino, located north of Florence. Giani advised residents to avoid ground floors and basements, as the situation escalated. "My thoughts go to the populations affected by the bad weather that is hitting various areas of Italy, causing serious damage and difficulties to citizens," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed on X (formerly Twitter), assuring that the government would provide necessary support during this crisis.
In response to the flooding, over 500 firefighters were deployed across Tuscany, with more than 300 interventions initiated or planned, as noted by the Interior Minister. Meteorologist Bernardo Gozzini from the Tuscan weather service Consorzio Lamma reported that the area around Sesto Fiorentino received approximately 60 millimeters (around 2.4 inches) of rainfall within just six hours. For perspective, Gozzini pointed out that the average total precipitation for March in Florence is about 70 millimeters, indicating that this storm delivered nearly a month’s worth of rain in a remarkably short timeframe.
As a result of the worsening conditions, schools, parks, and cemeteries in Florence and the neighboring town of Prato were closed after an order was issued on Thursday. To mitigate the flooding risk, floodgates and expansion tanks were activated to relieve pressure on the Arno River, which flows through both Florence and Pisa. Authorities anticipated that the river would reach its peak height later in the evening.
In a remarkable rescue operation, three individuals and their dog were airlifted to safety by helicopter in Gattaia, northeast of Florence. The mayor of Empoli, a town situated to the west of Florence, communicated via Facebook, describing the inundation as even more severe than a comparable flood that occurred in 2019. "This is one of the hardest moments in recent history," he proclaimed.
Meanwhile, in Pisa, soldiers from the army positioned sandbags behind barriers along the swollen river as the city faced a particularly challenging scenario. Mayor Michele Conti articulated the complexity of the situation, urging residents to remain indoors for their safety.
Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-induced climate change increases the likelihood of natural disasters such as flooding, heightening concerns for affected regions. As the rainfall continues, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of the residents while authorities combat the immediate challenges posed by these unprecedented weather conditions.
Related Sources: