Storm Boris causes severe flooding in Northern Italy as EU leaders prepare to discuss aid

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Storm Boris has caused extensive flooding in Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region, leading to the evacuation of around 1,000 people. The storm, which has affected Central and Eastern Europe, resulted in the overflow of three rivers in the region. In the town of Lugo, near Ravenna, authorities ordered the evacuation of ground-floor residences after the Senio river breached its banks.

The floods have caused widespread disruption, with schools closed and rail services suspended in several provinces. Irene Priolo, acting president of Emilia-Romagna, reported that some areas received up to 250mm (9.8 inches) of rainfall. Italy’s national fire department has conducted over 500 rescue operations in Emilia-Romagna, including the use of helicopters. Neighboring regions like Tuscany and Marche have also been affected by flooding and mudslides.

The flooding in Italy is part of a broader impact of Storm Boris, which caused significant damage across Central and Eastern Europe. In Poland, EU leaders are set to meet in Wroclaw to discuss aid and improved flood protection measures. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has called for the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to coordinate disaster response efforts. Several countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic, have been significantly affected by the storm, with many towns still dealing with damaged infrastructure and a lack of essential services.