Severe Flooding in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna Triggers Evacuations and Closures
Heavy rainfall has overwhelmed rivers, caused landslides, and disrupted daily life across northern Italy, with officials warning of worsening conditions.
- Authorities in Florence, Pisa, and Bologna have issued red weather alerts as torrential rain leads to widespread flooding and landslides.
- The Rimaggio River near Florence has burst its banks, flooding streets and submerging cars in Sesto Fiorentino, while the Arno River is nearing critical levels.
- Schools, museums, and public spaces have been closed in over 60 municipalities, with Florence and Prato implementing additional restrictions on businesses and travel.
- Emergency services, including over 500 firefighters and the army, are working to mitigate damage, rescue residents, and reinforce flood defenses in affected areas.
- Experts link the recurring extreme weather events in northern Italy, including deadly floods in Emilia-Romagna in recent years, to the effects of climate change.
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Le Monde 
The Independent 