Severe weather conditions have struck the Veneto region of Italy, particularly affecting the province of Vicenza, where a father and son are reported missing after being swept away by the floodwaters of the Agno torrent. The intense rainfall began on the evening of April 16, 2025, and has led to extensive damage across the region, prompting emergency services to spring into action.
As of April 18, 2025, emergency responders have been engaged in a desperate search for the two missing individuals, who disappeared after their vehicle was reportedly dragged into a chasm that opened up in Via Terragli, Valdagno. Firefighters initiated search operations at around 2:00 AM on April 18, utilizing ground teams, drones, and even a helicopter from the Venice flight department to locate the missing pair.
According to local authorities, the torrential rains recorded in the region have exceeded 100 millimeters in a short period, with some areas experiencing even higher totals, such as 191 millimeters in Staro. This downpour has caused significant flooding, resulting in the collapse of infrastructure, including a roundabout at Ponte dei Nori in Valdagno, which has created a large chasm in the roadway.
Luca Zaia, the President of the Veneto Region, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the intense rainfall led to bank collapses in the Agno Valley. He stated, "The intense precipitation in the Pedemontana and West Vicenza area has resulted in critical situations. Fortunately, no families have been evacuated, but the situation remains serious in Vicenza."
By 9:20 AM on April 18, the body of one of the missing individuals was found in the Trissino lamination basin, which had been opened to manage the floodwaters. Firefighters are currently working to recover the body. The Prefecture of Vicenza confirmed that the lamination basins serve as essential flood relief areas, but unfortunately, they also carried away one of the missing individuals.
The search for the father and son continues, with emergency teams determined to locate the second missing person. Firefighters have been conducting operations since the early hours of the morning, focusing their efforts along the Agno torrent. They are being supported by specialized flood rescue teams and divers.
As the floodwaters continue to pose risks, local officials have issued warnings to residents. Davide Faccio, the mayor of Trissino, urged citizens to avoid the banks of the Agno torrent, stating, "All bike paths and banks of the Agno torrent are closed. Do not attempt to pass; the flood may have damaged the banks, leading to potential collapses."
The storm has also caused widespread damage across the region, with over 100 rescue operations reported, including incidents at the Valdagno hospital. Roads have been closed due to landslides, and many areas are still assessing the extent of the damage. In Recoaro, significant landslides have occurred, leading to the closure of several roads, including Provincial Road 246.
In the aftermath of the storm, the situation remains critical. The Agno torrent overflowed, leading to flooding in multiple towns, including Trissino, Cornedo, and Brogliano. The local authorities have opened the Montebello and Caldogno basins to help manage the floodwaters, which reached alarming levels.
Heavy winds accompanying the rain have also caused additional problems, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour. The storm has brought hail to the Vicenza area and even snow in higher elevations, with over 20-30 centimeters of fresh snow reported above 2,500 meters.
As the day progresses, the search for the remaining missing person continues, and emergency services remain on high alert. The region is still under a yellow alert, with warnings in place for potential further flooding and landslides.
In a related incident, the Ulss 8 Berica health authority has denied rumors circulating on social media that the Valdagno hospital had been flooded, clarifying that a video circulating online did not depict the hospital's facilities.
As the community comes to grips with the aftermath of this devastating weather event, local leaders are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The focus remains on locating the missing father and son while managing the ongoing impact of the severe weather.
In summary, the Veneto region is grappling with the effects of a natural disaster that has led to tragic consequences and widespread disruption. The community's resilience will be tested in the days to come as they recover from this calamity.
