In the wake of severe weather that struck northern Italy last September, the Regional Government of Lombardy has announced a significant allocation of funds aimed at restoring essential services and ensuring safety in the affected areas. A total of 601,679 euros has been earmarked specifically for the municipalities of Dolzago, Molteno, and Oggiono in the province of Lecco, as part of a broader emergency response plan.
The funds are part of a larger package of 2.8 million euros approved by the National Civil Protection Department, designated for 68 urgent interventions across the provinces of Bergamo, Brescia, and Lecco. These interventions are critical, as they address the extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall and storms that occurred between September 8 and September 12, 2024, which had a devastating impact on these regions.
According to reports, the province of Bergamo suffered the most, with 54 planned interventions totaling over 1.37 million euros. Municipalities such as Albano Sant'Alessandro, Albino, Alzano Lombardo, and Bergamo itself are among those set to benefit from these funds. In Brescia, interventions will also take place in Gargnano and Lavenone, with an allocation of 828,290 euros.
Regional councillor for Security and Civil Protection, Romano La Russa, emphasized the government's commitment to effectively respond to emergencies, stating, "With this plan, Regione Lombardia confirms its ability to respond concretely to emergencies. Targeted interventions, shared with the national department, place the affected territories and the real needs of local entities and communities at the center." La Russa also expressed gratitude to the regional Civil Protection technicians and local offices for their efforts in preparing the necessary procedures to ensure a swift response to the crisis.
The funds will be utilized for various safety measures, including the restoration of essential public services and infrastructure that were compromised during the storms. The interventions aim not only to address immediate safety concerns but also to facilitate the continuity of administrative functions in the affected areas. Local authorities have been instructed to document their expenditures through the online platform "Bandi e Servizi" of Regione Lombardia to ensure proper accountability and reimbursement through special emergency accounting.
This financial assistance marks the first phase of urgent interventions designed to assist the population, remove hazardous conditions, and restore the functionality of public services and strategic infrastructure. In addition to the immediate repairs, the plan includes temporary measures that will help maintain administrative continuity in the impacted regions.
As the region continues to recover from the aftermath of the severe weather, the allocation of these funds is a crucial step in rebuilding and restoring normalcy for the residents of Dolzago, Molteno, Oggiono, and beyond. The swift action by the government underscores the importance of preparedness and responsiveness in the face of natural disasters, ensuring that communities can recover and thrive once again.
In summary, the financial support from the Lombardy regional government is a testament to its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its residents and addressing the challenges posed by climate-related events. As recovery efforts progress, the focus will remain on creating resilient communities capable of withstanding future adversities.
