Parts of Italy are currently experiencing severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, resulting in people being stranded in their vehicles. Among those affected were hundreds of schoolchildren, a mother, and a 10-month-old baby who had to be rescued from floodwaters. In Lombardy alone, over 650 emergency incidents were reported, with more than 200 firefighters responding to the crisis.
The city of Milan witnessed the overflow of the Seveso River, endangering nearby schools and residences. The Lambro River also swelled to dangerous levels, prompting the swift installation of mobile flood barriers to mitigate the impact of the rising waters.
Footage captured rescue workers wading through waist-deep water, abandoned cars submerged, and efforts to clear drains to manage the continuous flow of floodwater. In Spigno Monferrato, a search operation was launched for a missing German tourist swept away by flash floods.
Italian meteorologists have predicted ongoing severe weather conditions, with thunderstorms projected for central and northern Italy, accompanied by below-average temperatures later in the week. Officials have cautioned residents about possible significant damages to property and infrastructure, preparing for state emergency recognition and relief efforts.
The Civil Protection Department of Italy has issued orange alerts for Lombardy, Veneto, and Lazio regions, highlighting the risks of hydrogeological and flood-related hazards. Yellow alerts have also been issued for several other regions, including Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tuscany, and Sardinia, among others.