The region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, which has been plagued by drought, was hit by unprecedented rainfall on Wednesday 17th May 2023, leading to catastrophic flooding. Tragically, at least eight people lost their lives, and thousands were forced to evacuate. Officials are now sounding the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need for a national plan to address climate change-induced floods in Italy.
The heavy downpours caused Formula One to cancel the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The decision was made to avoid overwhelming emergency crews, who were already stretched thin responding to the destructive torrents of mud that have ravaged the region, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
The torrential rains extended across a wide area, affecting not only northern Italy but also the Balkans. Reports of "apocalyptic" floods, landslides, and evacuations have emerged from Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia.
Irene Priolo, the deputy governor of Emilia-Romagna, confirmed the deaths of eight people, with others still missing, as a result of the flooding. Over 10,000 individuals had to be evacuated from their homes.
Authorities in the province of Ravenna, known for its Byzantine-era mosaics, ordered around 14,000 people to leave their residences as a precautionary measure. Concerns arose that three rivers might overflow their banks.
Among the victims was a farmer who bravely attempted to save his equipment despite the rising floodwaters. Tragically, his wife is currently missing.
Rescue operations involved helicopters airlifting stranded individuals from rooftops as the floodwaters continued to rise. In one harrowing rescue, a coast guard member rescued a woman through a skylight, clutching her tightly as they were hoisted up to a hovering helicopter.
Italian Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci emphasized the necessity of a nationwide hydraulic engineering plan to adapt to the escalating frequency of floods and landslides caused by climate change. Musumeci highlighted that the region experienced an average of 200 millimeters (7.9 inches) of rain within 36 hours, with certain areas recording 500 millimeters (19.7 inches) during that period.
"These rains have had a tremendous impact considering that the region typically receives 1,000 millimeters (39.3 inches) of rainfall in a year," Musumeci explained. He drew attention to the changing weather patterns, resembling those found in parts of Africa and other regions worldwide, with extended dry spells followed by intense rainfall that saturates the ground.
Musumeci solemnly stated, "Nothing will ever be the same again... and the events of these hours are proof of that. When the soil remains dry for a prolonged period, instead of enhancing its ability to absorb water, it becomes compacted, allowing rain to flow over the surface and causing unimaginable damage."
Castel Bolognese, a town of approximately 9,000 residents, has been severely impacted by the floods. Electricity is unavailable, and many families are running out of food. This area had already experienced flooding earlier this month, leading residents to believe that such events occurred once every century.
Italy faces additional challenges in combating climate change-induced floods due to its vulnerable hydrological conditions. Moreover, the persistent practice of constructing buildings in flood-prone or landslide-prone areas exacerbates the country's susceptibility. Although occasional government amnesties allow these structures to remain, it further compromises Italy's resilience.
Hillsides across Emilia-Romagna crumbled under the deluge, resulting in approximately 250 reported mudslides in 48 towns and hamlets. Mud walls cascaded down, uprooting treesand causing roads to buckle under their force.
Musumeci revealed that 50,000 people were left without electricity, while more than 100,000 lost access to cellphone and landline services. Desperate residents utilized rubber boats typically reserved for summer beach trips to transport their essential belongings through the flooded streets.
The flooding's impact on transportation was significant, with several regional train routes suspended around Bologna and Ravenna, and severe delays reported elsewhere, according to the Italian state railway.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, en route to the G-7 meeting in Japan, assured that the government was closely monitoring the situation and prepared to provide emergency assistance.
Meanwhile, in the Balkans, the Una River overflowed, causing flooding in parts of northern Croatia and northwestern Bosnia. Authorities in Bosnia declared a state of emergency as hundreds of homes were submerged. Amin Halitovic, the mayor of Bosanska Krupa, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "We have an apocalypse. We can no longer count the flooded buildings. It's never been like this."
Eastern Slovenia also experienced numerous landslides, posing a threat to homes and critical infrastructure.
In Croatia, hundreds of soldiers and rescue teams tirelessly worked to deliver food and essential supplies to isolated residents in flood-hit areas. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far.
The devastating floods in Emilia-Romagna and the wider region serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. Italy's susceptibility to such disasters is heightened by fragile hydrological conditions and the persistent construction in high-risk areas. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, comprehensive measures, including a national plan, are crucial to combatting the devastating impact of climate change-induced flooding.
The recent catastrophe is a call to action for Italy and the international community to prioritize sustainable and resilient infrastructure, implement effective flood management strategies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is imperative to protect vulnerable regions like Emilia-Romagna from the ravages of climate change and ensure the safety and well-being of communities impacted by such natural disasters.
