Catastrophic Mudslides Disrupt Italian Roadways, Forcing Closures Until Monday
Heavy Mudslides Disrupt Livigno and Valtellina, Italy
On August 15, 2025, the picturesque mountain resort town of Livigno in Italy was hit by two major mudslides caused by a powerful rainstorm, resulting in a significant disruption to transportation and local infrastructure.
The mudslides, which occurred around Ferragosto, swept through key roads, including the one leading to the Gallo Tunnel (a connection to Switzerland) and the road to Federia Valle. The suddenness and intensity of the mudslides likely posed risks to residents and travelers, although specific casualty details are not provided in the sources.
The impact of the mudslides was particularly felt in Livigno, where the town was quickly submerged in mud and water. Countless basements, houses, and industrial halls were under water, and the road to Passo del Gallo was completely blocked by several landslides.
In response to the disaster, rescue forces have been deployed non-stop in Livigno. A total of 19 people were rescued from distress at Lake Como, with some rescues involving fireboats, water rescue vehicles, and rescue helicopters. Remo Galli, mayor of Livigno, expressed his thanks to the emergency services for the quick clearance around Passo del Gallo.
Images of nature swallowing up a village street in seconds spread on social networks from Livigno, highlighting the sudden and powerful force of the mudslides. Especially dangerous for drivers, the highway police issued an urgent appeal for caution and distance in Livigno.
The incident fits a larger pattern of extreme weather events linked to climate change in the region. Hailstorms and heavy rain accompanied the thunderstorms in Valtellina and Livigno, and similar events have been causing more frequent and severe problems in Italy and Europe.
The entire road between the Ristorante Fopel and the Swiss border will remain closed until at least Monday, August 18. An inspection with a geologist and the repositioning of all road barriers are planned in Livigno.
For further information, monitoring local news sources and official civil protection channels is advisable, as the situation may evolve with ongoing emergency response. Thunderstorms also threaten in Germany this weekend, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events in Europe.
In summary, Livigno and Valtellina experienced two significant mudslides on August 15, 2025, blocking crucial roads with mud and water. The incident was caused by a violent rainstorm disrupting transportation links including to Switzerland. Specific rescue operation details are not stated but emergency actions are implied given the disaster scale. The event fits a larger pattern of extreme weather events linked to climate change in the region. Rescue forces are in continuous operation in Livigno, and the entire road between the Ristorante Fopel and the Swiss border will remain closed until at least Monday, August 18.
Car accidents, as a result of the treacherous road conditions due to the mudslides, may potentially increase in Livigno and Valtellina, given the blocked roads and poor visibility caused by the heavy rain and mud. General news outlets should also report on any updates regarding car accidents in these areas alongside the ongoing weather updates and emergency response efforts. Furthermore, the weather conditions in Germany this weekend have been predicted to include thunderstorms, raising concerns about another series of extreme weather events in Europe.
