A severe storm that hit northern Italy has claimed the lives of three people and led to the evacuation of dozens. The bodies of two individuals, who had been missing, were found today, bringing the death toll to three.
“The two bodies were found near Vicenza, in the Veneto region. A 64-year-old man and his 33-year-old son, whose car was swept away by a flash flood, were identified as victims,” reported the Italian fire department.
Details of the Tragedy:
The tragic incident occurred as the father and son were volunteering to assist in rescue operations when disaster struck. The president of Veneto, Luca Zaia, expressed condolences to the wife who lost both her husband and son in what he called an “unimaginable tragedy.”
In addition, a 90-year-old man was found dead in his flooded home in Piedmont, a region in northwestern Italy, where the storm wreaked havoc.
Storm’s Impact on Northern Italy:
On Thursday, the storm brought heavy rainfall to northern Italy, as well as the French and Swiss Alps. At higher altitudes, this rain turned into snow, resulting in numerous landslides and floods, blocking roads and causing widespread disruptions.
“Around 5,000 households in the Aosta Valley were left without electricity as of Thursday evening,” reported local electricity providers.
Evacuations and Flooding:
Emergency services evacuated dozens of people from flooded areas, sometimes with their pets in tow. Footage from the region shows streets in Monteo da Pou, a small town in Piedmont, filled with mud and debris after the storm.
“The scenes in the affected areas highlight the devastating impact of the storm, with streets covered in rubble and mud,” said the fire department.
The ongoing storm has not only resulted in significant loss of life, but also widespread disruption, with evacuations and power outages affecting thousands. Local authorities continue to assess the damage and provide assistance to those in need.
