Severe Storms Hit Northern Italy: Floods and Landslides Reported

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Northern Italy is grappling with severe storms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, particularly affecting the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. On Thursday, torrential downpours caused widespread flooding, with subway stations and numerous basements submerged. The valleys north of Turin, including Val di Susa and Val Chisone, have reported severe floods, leaving some villages isolated due to landslides.

Milan, one of the hardest-hit cities, experienced flooding in several metro stations, and even a courthouse was inundated. Rivers Seveso and Lambro are under close observation as water levels have risen sharply following intense thunderstorms.

In Genoa, winds exceeding 100 km/h caused damage, toppling trees, billboards, and street structures. Several districts experienced flooding, adding to the chaos. Similar conditions were reported in the Italian capital, Rome.

The storms are linked to extreme weather patterns increasingly associated with the climate crisis, which scientists say will lead to more frequent and intense events like floods, storms, and heatwaves.

In Val di Susa, approximately 50 people are stranded due to road closures and landslides, with rescue operations underway. Tragically, a 58-year-old man was swept away by a torrent near Turin while working with a tractor, and search efforts continue. The severe weather also caused temporary road and rail closures in Liguria, though they were reopened by Thursday morning.