Flash flooding caused by unprecedented rainfall struck Elba Island on February 13, 2025, leaving the Municipality of Portoferraio grappling with severe emergencies. Over 65 mm of rain fell within just one hour, prompting immediate evacuations and rescue operations.
The President of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, highlighted the gravity of the situation when he noted on social media, "Emergenza alluvione e di situazione estremamente critica" (Flooding emergency and extremely serious situation). The local government advised residents against using vehicles and urged them to stay indoors as access roads to the town became impassable.
According to information gathered from various local sources, the deluge began just after 5 PM, with fire brigades quickly mobilized to respond to the crisis. Local authorities reported significant flooding throughout Portoferraio, including areas such as Casaccia, Carburo, and Via Carducci. Lorenza Burelli, the municipal assessor, indicated, "Da qualche minuto dopo le 17 fino alle 19 di giovedì 13 febbraio il temporale ha scaricato enormi quantità di acqua" (From just after 5 PM until 7 PM on Thursday, February 13, the storm dumped huge amounts of water).
Rescue missions began soon after the storm struck, with local fire brigades successfully conducting three emergency evacuations of residents trapped within homes and 28 additional rescues of individuals stranded in vehicles caught by fast-rising waters along the main roads of Portoferraio. The municipality was faced with extreme situations, including the evacuation of 12 people from a local dance school, including nine minors, and several others from a flooded pizzeria.
Mayor Tiziano Nocentini emphasized the extent of the flooding, stating, "Portoferraio è stata colpita da un fortissimo nubifragio, che ha causato allagamenti in tutte le zone della città" (Portoferraio was hit by a strong storm, causing flooding throughout the city). He reassured residents during the ordeal, calling for calm and adherence to emergency protocols. Initially on alert for incoming storms, local emergency teams were quickly positioned to manage both incoming and outgoing traffic.
Through the efforts of local officials and volunteers, access to the town remained heavily restricted as rescue crews worked tirelessly to assist those in need. Operations were coordinated from the Centro Operativo Comunale, which involved collaboration between local police, fire brigades, and civil protection teams. Additional assistance was also requested from neighboring towns and regions.
The storm caused significant disruptions to medical services, with ambulances halted around 6:45 PM due to flooded roads making it impossible to reach patients needing urgent care. Local authorities planned to close schools for the following day, citing the safety of students and staff as the priority. Activities at community centers, public parks, and all educational facilities were suspended to accommodate emergency operations.
Testimonies from local residents illustrated the sudden change from calm to chaos as roads transformed overnight from thoroughfares to torrents. Many areas faced inundation and property damage, and reports of trapped individuals compelled civic responders to step up their efforts.
Such flash floods are not unprecedented, but the scale of this storm caught many by surprise. Madeira, with its steep terrain and waterways easily swollen, frequently experiences similar weather patterns, reminding residents of the impact of intense precipitation. Local safety measures, including installation of drainage systems, raised awareness about risks associated with ground saturation.
The emergency response highlighted the importance of community collaboration and effective communication during disasters. Teams worked through the night to secure safety and relief for the impacted residents.
Officials remain vigilant as weather forecasts suggest continued instability, which raises concerns about potential additional flood risks. Conversations around infrastructure improvements and emergency readiness are already underway as the island begins to recover from this immediate crisis.
The situation currently remains under careful monitoring by local authorities, with updates being provided via social media channels. The safety of all individuals impacted by the flooding remains the primary concern.