The city of Forlì suffered flash floods on Wednesday night after torrential rain overwhelmed its drainage systems.
The storm, far more intense than forecast, turned city streets into torrents within minutes. Districts including Ca’ Ossi, Vecchiazzano and Ronco were especially hard hit by the extreme weather.
Firefighters worked through the night, responding to dozens of calls from flooded homes, basements and garages.
Some areas of the city also experienced temporary power cuts after electrical systems were submerged.
Between 40 and 70 millimetres of rain fell in just over 30 minutes, weather stations reported. That amount usually falls over the course of a month in Forlì. Flash floods were a result of the violent downpour.
The sewer system was unable to cope, causing widespread surface flooding across the city. By morning, floodwaters had receded, but the extent of the damage is not yet clear.
The storm revived fears of a repeat of the May 2023 disaster that struck Emilia Romagna. That event killed 17 people and caused billions of euros in damage, including in Forlì.
Residents expressed concern that drainage improvements promised after the 2023 floods may still be lacking. Authorities are continuing to monitor conditions and assess the scale of the latest damage.
