In Florence, heavy rainfall has caused rivers to swell and streets to flood, prompting authorities to issue a red weather alert for this historic Italian city and its surroundings. Residents have been advised to remain indoors for their safety.
Eugenio Giani, President of the Tuscany region encompassing Florence and Pisa, has urged citizens to exercise “maximum care and attention.” He warned of “intense and persistent rain” expected throughout the day, stressing the importance of staying vigilant.
The fire service has shared distressing images of cars partially submerged in water in the Sesto Fiorentino neighborhood, located just north of Florence’s famed historic center. They reported that they have received numerous requests for assistance across the city, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
#Maltempo #Firenze, decine di richieste di soccorso sono giunte alla sala operativa dei #vigilidelfuoco del capoluogo toscano, soprattutto per allagamenti e autisti in difficoltà. Maggiori criticità a Sesto Fiorentino per l’esondazione del torrente Rimaggio [#14marzo 11:15] @vigilidelfuoco
Giani indicated that floodgates and expansion tanks are on standby, ready to be opened if necessary to alleviate the pressure on the Arno River, which flows through Florence and Pisa on its way to the coast.
In addition, regions to the northeast, such as Emilia Romagna, are also under a red weather warning. This area still remembers the devastating floods that claimed 17 lives two years ago, with some rivers already swollen from previous rainfall.
A municipal spokesperson stated that while the situation is currently “under control,” there is a forecast for more rain ahead, prompting continued vigilance.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
