Many people, particularly the elderly, are trapped in their homes amid “crisis” floods.
The death toll in Italy has reached 13 as rescue crews attempt to reach towns and villages in northern Italy still isolated by heavy rains and flooding.
Italian-based journalist Andrea Vogt told Breakfast Briefing those who died were likely unable to evacuate their homes.
“Most of those who died were in their ground floor or basement apartments and were unable to get out in time,” she said.
More than 20 rivers across the country have burst their banks and 10,000 people have been evacuated.
Ms Vogt said many who haven’t been evacuated remain trapped in their homes – particularly the elderly and those with physical disabilities.
11 years after an earthquake brought #EmiliaRomagna to its knees, we are reeling from floods & landslides. In my 20+ years here, I don’t remember high water like this. Bravi @RegioneER @DPCgov @guardiacostiera @vigilidelfuoco for ongoing #SAR. Next: rails and roads. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/8V4N2ND2Tx
— Andrea Vogt (@andreavogt) May 18, 2023
“One couple have tried to save a refrigerator and they're still confirming whether or not they were electrocuted,” she said.
“The woman who was in that couple, her body was actually found 20 kilometres away. She had been dragged down by the currents on the beach.”
The main motorway across the country has been closed due to a landslide near Ms Vogt’s home.
“Some trains are running but many of the lines those going east are closed as there are 70 landslides and they can all be cleaned up at once,” she explained.
Ongoing crisis
Schools reopened this morning, which is a “good sign” according to Ms Vogt.
“But the crisis is still ongoing,” she said. “The rain has started again and we have to buckle up for another several days.”
There will likely be questions about climate change and civil engineering following the floods, but the current focus is simply saving people.
“They're still in the throes of trying to react and help people and rescue people,” she said. “[But] now that we're seeing more and more extreme events like this, it's something that has to be discussed nationwide.”
