Parts of Italy are experiencing severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, leading to individuals being stranded in vehicles. Among those rescued were hundreds of schoolchildren, a mother, and a 10-month-old baby who were stuck on top of a car. Over 650 emergency incidents were reported in Lombardy, with over 200 firefighters participating in rescue operations.
In Milan, the Seveso River breached its banks near several schools, causing rapid water flow in the area. The Lambro River also surged to dangerous levels, prompting the swift installation of mobile flood barriers to mitigate the impact of the rising water.
Videos depict rescue teams navigating waist-deep water, abandoned vehicles, and efforts to clear drains as floodwaters inundate the streets. Meanwhile, in Spigno Monferrato, a search mission was launched for a missing German tourist following flash floods. Authorities advised residents to avoid flood-prone zones, underpasses, and parks as emergency teams worked to ensure safety.
Meteorologists in Italy have warned of continued adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms in central and northern regions, with temperatures expected to drop below seasonal norms later in the week. Officials have cautioned that significant damage to property, businesses, and infrastructure is likely, with preparations underway to seek state emergency aid and compensation.
The Italian Civil Protection Department issued orange alerts for Lombardy, Veneto, and Lazio, highlighting the risks of hydrogeological and flood-related incidents. Yellow alerts are also in effect in several other regions, including Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Sicily, and Sardinia.