The floods that have hit northern Italy in recent days, overflowing 14 rivers, are causing real havoc. 9 deaths have already been recorded, around 13,000 have been evacuated, 50,000 have lost power and Formula 1 prizes have had to be canceled as facilities are flooded.
Unlike what is happening in Spain, the Mediterranean country is experiencing one of the wettest and rainiest months of May. The most affected areas in the north-central region have been Emilia Romagna and the Marche.
The government has declared a red alert (the highest of all) in the Emilia Romagna region, where 23 municipalities have been affected and it has been decided to cancel the Formula 1 prize to be held in Imola this weekend.
Why is it raining so much in northern Italy?
The Minerva storm has left some very important figures in the Emilia Romagna region. Several rivers are in spate and thousands of people have been evacuated, with record rains threatening up to 37 municipalities with floods and landslides between Romagna and Bologna.
About 300 mm of rain has been recorded in some areas of the region in the last 48 hours. An average of 150 to 200 mm of rain fell on the hills and mountains of Ravenna and in the eastern region of the Bologna region.
The area remains on red alert, although such significant rain is no longer expected in the area, but the river is still in spate and may cause flash floods.
Flood in venice
The city of canals has not been affected by floods and overflows in recent times despite being close to the two most affected areas. An important and interesting detail is that, during the spring, the Italian city has what is called “Acqua Alta” in meteorology.
In the months that this season lasts, the water level that divides the city rises significantly. On some occasions, the flooded places leave a picture as emblematic as San Marcos Square and very striking. The opposite phenomenon of “aqua alta” is called “aqua bassa”.
As expected, during the “aqua basa” months, the water level drops. So much so, that in some years the bed of the canals can be clearly seen and appreciated in some areas of the city. That’s what happened in 2023, with even the famous Venice Carnivals compromised.
