The Emilia-Romagna region has been severely impacted by intense rainfall, leading to widespread flooding and damage in multiple areas, including Bologna and Modena.
Emergency services have been working around the clock to manage the situation, rescuing stranded citizens, reinforcing riverbanks, and monitoring water levels.
Rescue Operations in Modena
Firefighters have been actively rescuing people trapped in vehicles and ground-floor homes across the Modena area, with at least 20 individuals saved from dangerous situations. The emergency began at 5 pm yesterday, prompting around 60 rescue interventions.
In one instance, two disabled individuals were carried to safety by firefighters and reunited with their son. Additionally, a landslide in Pavullo was managed, with ongoing inspections to assess flooding risks in residential areas.
Trentino Civil Protection Mobilised in Bologna
In response to the severe flooding in Bologna, a mobile unit of the Trentino Civil Protection arrived early this morning to assist local efforts. The team consists of 19 permanent and volunteer firefighters, along with personnel from the Risk Prevention Service.
Heavy rainfall persisted throughout the night, peaking in the Bologna area before moving towards Modena. The Trentino teams are focused on pumping water from basements and streets, with further reinforcements expected, bringing an additional 25 emergency responders.
Record Rainfall in Bologna
Bologna has seen extreme rainfall, with 160 millimetres recorded, 122 of which fell between 1 pm and 11 pm yesterday. The most critical period occurred between 7 pm and 11 pm when 74 millimetres fell—equivalent to the average rainfall for the entire month of October. The Ravone torrent, which runs partially underground, overflowed, affecting significant areas of the city, including Via Saffi.
Over 300 Firefighter Interventions in Emilia-Romagna
Across Emilia-Romagna, firefighters have conducted more than 300 interventions, particularly in Bologna and surrounding areas. Crews have been rescuing residents trapped by the overflowing Ravone, Savena, Zena streams, and the Idice river.
In Pianoro, a missing person was found deceased after being swept away in their car by the floodwaters of the Zena torrent. Firefighters have also been working tirelessly in the Forlì area to provide relief in Cesenatico and Gatteo.
In Castel Maggiore, a town near Bologna, the Italian Army has been assisting citizens throughout the night. Responding to a request from the Prefecture of Bologna, specialist personnel from the Railway Engineers Regiment used trucks and a small boat to rescue around ten people. The teams were coordinated by the Command of the Northern Operational Forces in Padua.
Landslides and Road Closures
The Apennine and hilly areas have been severely affected by landslides, resulting in numerous road closures. Key routes such as Via Emilia and Porrettana have been blocked, with landslides reported in Marzabotto and other towns.
Local authorities have closed several bridges in Modena as a precaution, including Ponte Alto and Ponte dell’Uccellino, due to rising water levels in the Panaro and Tiepido rivers.
The Crostolo torrent overflowed in the Reggio Emilia area, forcing evacuations in Cadelbosco di Sopra and Gualtieri. The mayor of Cadelbosco has issued an evacuation order due to the “imminent danger” posed by rising water levels. Authorities are closely monitoring other nearby rivers, as new floods are feared in the coming hours.
Emergency Declared in Bologna
Bologna has been one of the hardest-hit areas. The mayor of Pianoro, Luca Vecchiettini, stated local resources are insufficient to cope with the widespread destruction. “We have many landslides, floods, and critical situations,” he told local news outlets.
The flooding in Bologna mirrors the severe events of May 2023, with many residents evacuated from ground-floor homes, and widespread power outages reported. It also follows flooding in September with many evacuations and loss of two lives.
Civil Protection Issues Orange and Yellow Alerts
The Civil Protection department has issued weather alerts across Italy, warning of continued rainfall and thunderstorms in several regions. Emilia-Romagna remains under an orange alert, with more storms expected, particularly in Bologna and Modena. Residents are urged to remain cautious and follow local authorities’ instructions to stay safe.
