June 30, 2026, 01:49June 30, 2026, 01:49
After a heat wave lasting several days, storms triggered floods and debris flows in several northern Italian regions. Firefighters were on constant duty, especially in South Tyrol.
Because of a mudflow between Meran and Avelengo, 69 people – 39 in Meran and 30 in Avelengo – had to leave their homes. Six people were slightly injured and three residential buildings were initially uninhabitable, as South Tyrolean media reported.
Storms also led to mudslides and road closures in Vinschgau. Roads, apple orchards and private properties were buried. The emergency services removed mud and debris, pumped out flooded areas and secured traffic routes.
Severe storms also hit the Lombard Alpine regions of Valtellina and Valchiavenna on Sunday evening and significantly affected rail and road traffic. Heavy thunderstorms and cloudbursts also hit large parts of the northern Italian Piedmont region on Sunday evening.
A rock fall also blocked regional road 48 of the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo in the province of Belluno on Monday.
Southern Italy continues to suffer from the strong heat wave. Temperatures around 40 degrees were reported in Rome and Naples. A 75-year-old man died on the beach at Cala Liberotto in Sardinia after suffering a seizure under a parasol. In Genoa, the deaths of two seniors, aged 86 and 74, were reported, attributed to the high temperatures. (sda/apa)