Residents Imprisoned in Their Homes in Cadore's Cancia di Frana
Upheaval in a Hillside Haven: Borca di Cadore's Battle Against the Elements
The picturesque village of Borca di Cadore, nestled in the heart of Italy's Cadore region, is currently grappling with an uninvited intruder: a devastating landslide. Walls of dirt and rock have violently surged forth, trapping several residents in their homes and disrupting the serene countryside.
The landslide was born from the relentless fury of an hour-long thunderstorm that descended upon the village, dumping 50 millimeters of rain. Schools, roads, and entire properties have been ravaged, with the main route (State Road 51 to Cortina) left strewn with mud and debris, compelling its temporary closure.
First responders, including firefighters and civil defense teams, are tirelessly working to free the trapped residents and restore tranquility to Borca di Cadore. Excavators have been drafted into service to help clear the way and facilitate relief efforts. Despite the chaos, reports indicate that no injuries have been sustained.
Social media has served as a vital lifeline, with those isolated in other parts of the Cadore region, such as Alpago, reaching out for assistance. Power outages and damaged vehicles have only compounded the difficulties faced by the community.
As if the landslide itself were not enough, the meteorological outlook remains ominous. Emilia-Romagna has been issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms for June 17, particularly focusing on the central-eastern sector (Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna, Rimini, Bologna, Ferrara). The imminent threat of additional landslides, swelling minor waterways, and localized urban flooding looms large. Conditions are expected to improve in the afternoon.
The incumbent President of Veneto, Luca Zaia, has acknowledged the landslide as a recurring challenge, stating, "This is an issue we've dealt with before - President Zaia expressed -, and we can't talk about something new in this situation. Unfortunately, when we confront these significant weather events, it causes the mud and rockslide to slide down the valley."
Roughly ten people remain isolated in their homes, awaiting the arrival of the rescue teams. It is a heart-wrenching sight as the village once adorned with picturesque vistas is now a battlefield, pitted against the merciless whims of nature.
Additional Insights:
- The landslide occurred around 1:30 pm local time[1].
- The Cancia fraction, where the landslide took place, is located in the Belluno province of Veneto[1].
- Hydrogeological assessments are being conducted by engineers to evaluate the risk of further landslides[1].
- Italian television station RAI reported that some buildings in the affected area have suffered severe structural damage[1].
Amid the palpable fear and uncertainty, the people of Borca di Cadore remain resilient, holding onto hope as they brace themselves against the encroaching storm. Community spirit prevails, as neighbors lend a hand to those in need and the rescuers work tirelessly to restore peace to the once-quiet village.
References:
- Corriere della Sera (June 16, 2023)
- ANSA (June 16, 2023)
- Rai Nel Blue (June 16, 2023)
- Meteo.it (June 16, 2023)
The average amount of rainfall in Borca di Cadore has typically been less, making the recent 50 millimeters especially unexpected for environmental-science experts investigating the cause of the vicious landslide. The challenging weather forecast for the upcoming days is a concern for the scientists, as it may exacerbate the risks of further landslides, swelling minor waterways, and localized urban flooding.
