Torrential Rains Trigger Mudslide in Northern Italy, Displacing Residents and Closing Major Roads
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Avalanche in the Dolomites: Several houses suffer damage in northern Italy
A massive mudslide, fueled by heavy rains totaling roughly 50 millimeters in just 30 minutes, rocked the Italian town of Borca di Cadore in Belluno, Veneto. The affected area, Cancia, saw homes and vehicles compromised, with no reported injuries but forced evacuations as a safety precaution according to the local fire department.
The mudslide, which transpired overnight Monday, brought a deluge of mud, water, and debris into the valley. Veneto's regional president, Luca Zaia, declared a state of emergency in response to the devastation.
Homes engulfed, access cut off
Resident casualties include those trapped inside apartments and isolated due to rock obstructions blocking entrances. At least ten individuals reportedly found themselves in such circumstances. Moreover, power outages were recorded across certain districts.
Major routes like the state road "Alemagna," a primary access to Cortina d'Ampezzo and a popular tourist attraction, were temporarily shut down due to flooding from the landslide. Firefighters and civil protection units have been working round the clock since dawn to clear debris and secure homes.
Roberto Padrin, president of Belluno, took to Facebook to comment: "The landslide has once more ravaged Cancia. The work accomplished in recent years prevented an even greater catastrophe." In 2009, two souls perished in this same region. Since then, the region has fortified the area with protective basins, alarm systems, and collection systems.
References: ntv.de, afp
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The landslide's immediate impacts include:
- Homes Impacted: After being inundated with mud and water, several residences suffered damage, and ten residents were reportedly trapped in their homes due to debris and flooding, particularly in Cancia [1][5]. Similar circumstances arose in other districts like Alpago, where inhabitants sought help through social media [1].
- Vehicles Affected: The aftermath also included damaged cars, and power disruptions in the area [1].
- Access: The state road 51 to Cortina d’Ampezzo was shut down for several hours due to mud and stones blocking it [1]. Residents in certain areas were isolated due to unpassable roads and ongoing debris flow [1].
Emergency services' response efforts included [1]:- Rescue Operations: Firefighters and civil defense teams tirelessly worked to clear debris from affected houses and evacuate residents safely.- Continued Actions: Emergency responders are presently making efforts to reach isolated individuals and restore access to impacted zones.- Safety Measures: Residents in high-risk areas were evacuated, with emergency responders prioritizing resident safety and the restoration of essential services.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of the environment, given the urgent need for comprehensive environmental safeguards, as evidenced by the recent torrential rains and mudslide in northern Italy.
- Scientists and experts in environmental-science are closely monitoring the aftermath of the mudslide in northern Italy, studying the impact on the region's ecosystem and exploring potential long-term consequences for environmental-general-news.
- As investigators assess the causes of the mudslide in northern Italy, authorities are concurrently dealing with reports of crime-and-justice related to looting and property damage in the affected areas, highlighting the need for maintenance in emergency services and effective resources in weather-related incidents.
