Heavy storms have wreaked havoc in Northern Italy just before Easter, leading to tragic consequences and widespread destruction. At least three people have lost their lives due to the severe weather, which has caused floods, landslides, and strong winds across numerous regions.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, storm gusts, accompanied by heavy rain and hail, resulted in flash floods and landslides in several cities. The Civil Protection authorities issued a red alert for the regions of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna on Friday, April 18, due to the flooding of the Po River, which has risen alarmingly.
In a heart-wrenching incident, two volunteer helpers—a 65-year-old man and his 34-year-old son—were found dead in Venetia after being swept away by a landslide while driving. They were reportedly on their way to assist with rescue efforts in the area. "I express my condolences to the family and the community of Valdagno, who are affected by this terrible weather on Good Friday," said Luca Zaia, the President of the Veneto region.
The storms have also claimed the life of a 92-year-old former carpenter in Monteu da Po, near Turin, who was found drowned in his home after it was inundated. Initial estimates indicate that the storm has caused tens of millions of euros in damages in the Piedmont region, with Marco Gabusi, the regional councilor responsible for civil protection, stating, "The heavy rainfall has already led to landslides, flooding, evacuations, and, unfortunately, the collapse of a bridge."
As the situation unfolds, more than 700 firefighters are deployed to clear debris, conduct drainage operations, and secure areas affected by landslides around Turin. In Trient, the storms triggered a landslide in the San Martino district, prompting the evacuation of 14 residents as a precautionary measure. In Versilia, Central Italy, several landslides due to heavy rain have also been reported.
Currently, over 1,500 people in the province of Lucca are cut off from the outside world due to the severe weather conditions, and power outages have affected approximately 7,000 residents in the Aosta Valley. The heavy rains are expected to persist, with forecasts predicting continued rainfall over the Easter weekend.
In response to the crisis, the Piedmont region has allocated five million euros for immediate relief efforts. Important traffic routes, including the Simplon Pass and the tunnel at the Great St. Bernard, remain closed, with authorities warning that many roads, tunnels, and mountain passes may become impassable due to the forecasted rainfall.
As of Friday morning, April 18, the weather situation has eased somewhat, but many rivers continue to overflow, leaving streets submerged in numerous municipalities. Rescue teams have evacuated dozens of individuals from flooded areas, and the situation remains tense.
In the Lombard capital, emergency services have responded to up to 90 calls related to the severe weather. A 77-year-old man was rescued unharmed after being struck by branches while driving. The weather forecast predicts some sunshine for Friday and Saturday, but further rainfall is expected between Easter Sunday, April 20, and Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
The Foreign Office has issued warnings for travel to the affected regions, advising against non-essential travel due to the severe weather conditions. The public is urged to stay informed and heed the advice of local authorities.
As the situation develops, the communities affected by the storms are coming together to support one another, with volunteers stepping up to assist in recovery efforts. The resilience of these communities will be tested in the coming days as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating weather event.
In summary, the heavy storms in Northern Italy have caused significant loss of life and widespread damage, with authorities on high alert as they continue to monitor the situation. The coming days will be critical in determining the extent of the recovery efforts needed to restore normalcy to the affected regions.
