A powerful storm, dubbed Storm Boris, is wreaking havoc in Italy’s north-east and central regions, just days after causing widespread flooding in central Europe. The storm’s fury has already claimed 23 lives across Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria.
Authorities have evacuated over 1,000 residents from Italy’s northeastern region of Emilia Romagna due to severe flooding. Officials have closed schools and are warning residents to avoid basements and move to upper floors for safety. Rapidly rising river levels force Faenza residents to flee their homes in dinghies, making it one of the worst-affected areas.
Flooding has also disrupted railway traffic and impacted roads due to landslides. The nearby city of Bologna reports controlled river levels, but a red weather alert remains in effect until Friday.
This disaster echoes the devastating floods that hit Emilia-Romagna in May 2023, claiming 13 lives and causing billions of euros in damage. Thousands were evacuated from their homes as over 20 rivers burst their banks.
Storm Boris has swept across central Europe, leaving a trail of destruction. Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria have all been severely impacted.
In Hungary, the Danube River’s water levels continue to rise, with Prime Minister Victor Orban predicting a peak on Saturday afternoon.
European leaders will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss aid for flood-hit regions. Climate scientists warn that extreme rainfall events like these will become more frequent as the planet warms.
