Severe weather in Emilia-Romagna: National Service operations are ongoing
Head of Department in Bologna to meet with local institutions and operational structures to assess the situation
Updated at 1 p.m
Beginning on September 17, our country was heavily affected by severe weather, particularly impacting Emilia-Romagna, including the provinces of Bologna, Ravenna, and Forlì Cesena, as well as some areas of Marche and Toscana.
Since the early hours, the Department has been monitoring the evolution of the phenomena. Yesterday, a team of experts was sent to the most affected areas of Emilia-Romagna to assist the regional civil protection authorities. Head of Department Ciciliano arrived in Bologna today to assess the situation with local institutions and operational structures.
River bank failures and overflows of several tributaries of the Reno River caused the most critical situations in Emilia-Romagna. This resulted in widespread flooding across the territory and minor landslides, leading to disruptions in roads and railways and some interruptions in the power supply.
The local civil protection system has promptly organized preventive evacuations for the population in the most affected areas. Operations are ongoing with the support of the Italian National Fire Department, Air Force, and Army air assets. Over 1,200 people have been evacuated and are currently sheltered in facilities provided by the affected municipalities.
Yesterday, on September 18, Minister Musumeci signed a decree declaring a state of mobilization to provide maximum support to local civil protection structures. This activation includes volunteer teams from the Regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardia, Veneto, Toscana, and the Autonomous Province of Trento for urgent technical rescue, presence on the territory, and support to municipalities. Additionally, the Department activated national voluntary associations, such as the National Alpine Association (Ana), Misericordie, Italian Red Cross (Cri), National Corps of Alpine and Speleological Rescue (Cnsas), Swift Water Rescue Team Toscana, and Italian Relief Corps of the Order of Malta (CISOM).
The situation in Emilia-Romagna is expected to improve in the next few hours, but a red alert will remain in effect for tomorrow.
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