Portoferraio, Elba Island, faced catastrophic flooding after over 56 millimeters of rain fell within just one hour on February 13, 2025, as residents dealt with the aftermath of one of the most intense storms the region has seen recently. Images from the scene depicted streets transformed by surging waters, with vehicles submerged and pedestrians stranded as the town's infrastructure struggled to cope with the deluge.
According to local authorities, including Toscana's President Eugenio Giani, the situation was declared "extremely serious" with reports of 65 mm of rainfall recorded at some points. This led to citywide flooding, prompting pleas from the municipality for residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. "Stay home, do not venture out as every access road is blocked," the local government implored, reinforcing the message through various social media channels.
Emergency services sprang quickly to action. Firefighters reported conducting multiple rescues, including saving nine minors and three instructors from a dance school engulfed by rising waters. Those stranded included not only residents but also individuals trapped inside their vehicles due to the dramatic uptick of water levels. "We rescued 28 people stuck inside cars along the main road," local firefighters noted, emphasizing the urgency of their operations.
The flooding affected numerous neighborhood streets across Portoferraio, particularly around the Concia di Terra and Sghinghetta areas, and extensively along Viale Elba and Via Carducci. "The rain fell incessantly for barely two hours but created floods resembling rivers throughout our streets," said Lorenza Burelli, city councilor, highlighting how quickly the community was overwhelmed.
Authorities set up the Operational Coordination Center (COC) under Mayor Tiziano Nocentini's direction. Critically, the fire department and civil protection units were on high alert, having prepared for imminent flooding due to earlier weather warnings. Reports indicated blocked road access around various zones, including the Casaccia and Carburo, due to landslides and mudslides.
Local schools were also affected, with the municipality announcing the closure of all educational institutions for the following day, February 14. “Under these dire conditions, all teaching activities are suspended until we can assess and confirm safety protocols,” announced the local administration.
Beyond Portoferraio, the entire Elba Island region suffered from the storm's violent impact, as other towns reported significant flooding. A statement from the Municipality of Marciana Marina cautioned residents to limit movement to only the most necessary errands due to hazardous wet conditions.
The series of severe weather events echoed back to similar flooding the island had experienced back in April 2024, where Rio Marina was inundated after heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems. The townspeople, still reeling from the emotional toll of these events, now face extensive damage to their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.
On social media, images circulated of vehicles submerged nearly entirely, reflecting the seriousness of the flooding. Fire teams, having received reinforcements from neighboring regions, urged citizens to heed safety warnings as they prioritized rescuing those trapped before assessing damages.
Even as rescue operations continued, significant damage to commercial properties became evident. Reports highlighted storefronts inundated with water, their goods compromised. Local businesses and governmental bodies began preliminary damage assessments, expressing serious concerns about the upcoming financial impacts on local economies.
Giani noted the role of emergency services, stating, "The civil protection system of Tuscany is actively assisting the affected population. Maximum measures of caution and care should be exercised across all impacted areas," and mentioned the deployment of additional fire brigades and rescue operators from various municipalities to support Elba's local teams.
By the evening of February 13, as the rains began to relent, the focus shifted to recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of citizens, with emergency services remaining vigilant through the night. The commitment to supporting Elba’s residents was clear, with individuals from the community stepping up to assist with cleanup and recovery processes.
While these intense storms are becoming increasingly common, the response from local authorities showcases the importance of preparedness and community resilience against nature’s unpredictability. The challenges now are re-establishing safety, assessing damage, and supporting the local economy as Portoferraio begins its recovery from this latest destructive flood.