Rome, August 28 (Xinhua) – Train services between France and Italy came to a temporary halt on Monday due to a massive rockslide that blocked access to a series of tunnels. In the mountainous regions of Italy, landslides forced the evacuation of dozens of people.
Italy, just days after experiencing a scorching heatwave, is now facing a significant drop in temperatures accompanied by strong winds and heavy rains, resulting in landslides, mudslides, and flood warnings.
Local media reported that around 70 people near the Alpine city of Cortina d’Ampezzo were forced to evacuate due to mudslides. Additionally, a dozen others had to be rescued after flooding in the Valtellina area of Lombardy, located north of Milan. Owing to these circumstances, roads were closed and flood warnings were issued throughout northern Italy, including the cities of Genoa, Milan, Turin, and Verona.
Venice, a city prone to flooding, implemented a high-tech anti-flood system earlier than usual this year, as the risk of flooding emerged in August, rather than the typical flood season which starts in October.
All of these events occurred shortly after the conclusion of Italy’s third major heatwave of the summer. On Friday, the Ministry of Health declared that 19 out of the country’s 27 largest cities were under an extreme heat warning, with high temperatures causing health hazards even for young and healthy individuals.
Over the weekend, a cold weather system brought lower temperatures to the country, although southern Italy did not experience the rainfall that affected much of the rest of the nation. Despite the drop in temperatures, the risk of wildfires remained due to weeks of drought. Reports of new wildfires emerged near Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and in rural parts of Sardinia. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported from these recent blazes. However, the electricity transmission network in Sardinia suffered damage, causing brief power outages.
The train service connecting Italy’s Piedmont region with France’s Alpine Savoy region, crossing the Alps, was closed on Monday due to a rockslide in France’s Maurienne Valley on Sunday. Train operators from both countries estimate that the closure could potentially last for several days or even up to a week.
While temperatures were decreasing in southern Italy on Monday, the region did not experience the rainfall seen in other parts of the country. Despite this, the risk of fires persisted due to the prolonged drought. Reports of new wildfires surfaced around Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and in rural areas of Sardinia. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported from the recent fire incidents. However, the electricity transmission network in Sardinia sustained damage, briefly disrupting power supply.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
