Liguria and Tuscany Brace for More Heavy Rains

| Fri, 11/04/2011 - 04:34

Vernazza after storms on the 25th of October

Residents in northern and central Italy are preparing to evacuate as more rain is expected in the areas already devastated by storms last week.

Yesterday, the entire town of Vernazza, a popular destination in Cinque Terre, was evacuated amid fears that more rain would trigger dangerous mudslides. The residents were moved to Levanto and La Spezia as a precaution against the storms that are expected today and tomorrow.

The feared deluge of rain did not develop over night, the storm is expected to intensify today.

Even in towns that have not been evacuated, schools are closed and anti-disaster plans are in place everywhere from Genoa to Varazze and from Ventimiglia to San Remo.

Environment Minister Stefania Prestigiacomo has said that 6,600 Italian communities were affected by the recent foul weather and resulting flooding.

At least ten people have been confirmed dead as a result of the recent storms. Teams are still working to clear away debris while searching for several people who remain missing.

To keep up to date with the situation in Liguria, you can follow Nicole Ruskell's blog