Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

A tourist crosses flooded St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, today. Luigi Costantini/AP/Press Association Images
Venice

Venice flooded as 200 evacuated in Tuscany

Floodwaters led to the evacuations after bad weather hit northern Italy this weekend.

FLOODWATERS DRENCHED MOST of the tourist destination of Venice and led to the evacuation of 200 people in Tuscany, as bad weather hit northern Italy at the weekend, authorities said today.

In Venice itself, heavy rains and winds from the south triggered “acqua alta” (high water) and 70 per cent of the city was flooded, with sea levels reaching a peak of 1.5 metres above normal before receding slightly, they said.

In Tuscany, around 200 people were evacuated because of heavy rains which flooded homes and caused mudslides, local officials said. The most affected region was the province of Massa and Carrara, which produces the famous Carrara marble.

In Massa di Carrara alone, some 50 people were evacuated and a car was carried away by an overflowing river, but the couple in the vehicle were saved by firefighters.

The authorities have urged the local population to avoid going into the streets and to stay in the the upper floors of their homes. In Pisa, some streets have been without electricity following the floods. In the large Tuscan port of Livorno, civil defence forces were on alert because of the heavy rains.

In Liguria, the region bordering Tuscany, 30 people had to be evacuated, the authorities said. In anticipation of the floods two days ago, the authorities issued warnings and planned security measures to avoid any casualties after 13 people died in Tuscany and Liguria a year ago.

The bad weather was heading slowly towards the centre of the country and was set to hit Rome where civil defence forces have been put on alert.

Read: After floods, Clonakilty unites for Random Acts of Kindness festival>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
24
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.