STORM BORIS WREAKS HAVOC IN ITALY AFTER DEVASTATING CENTRAL EUROPE

Storm Boris continues to cause destruction, now battering the north-east and central regions of Italy after leaving a trail of devastation across central Europe. The storm has led to severe flooding in Italy’s Emilia Romagna and Marche regions, forcing more than 1,000 residents to evacuate. Two people have been reported missing.

In Emilia Romagna, landslides have disrupted roadways, while railway services have been heavily impacted. Residents in some areas have been forced to flee their homes using dinghies due to rapidly rising rivers.

The city of Faenza has been one of the hardest hit, with overflowing rivers and sewage systems. Schools, libraries, and parks have been closed across affected areas, including Ravenna, and the University of Bologna has canceled exams and classes.

Also Read: | UK braces for ‘Arctic blast’ after wet weekend, predicts Met Office

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced €10 billion in EU funding to assist flood-affected countries. She made the statement after meeting with leaders of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria in Wroclaw, Poland, where high river levels continue to threaten the region.

Also Read: | Why global models went wrong with their La Niña predictions — and what its delay means

Storm Boris has claimed at least 23 lives in its path across Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria. Though the rain is expected to ease by Friday, the risk of further flooding remains high.

The recent deluge in Italy is reminiscent of the catastrophic flooding that hit the Emilia Romagna region in May 2023, when 13 people lost their lives.

Scientists have warned that extreme weather events like these are becoming more frequent due to climate change, though the exact impact of global warming on this storm is yet to be determined.

(With inputs from BBC)

For the latest news from across India, Political updates, Explainers, Sports News, Opinion, Entertainment Updates and more Top News, visit Indian Express. Subscribe to our award-winning Newsletter Download our App here Android & iOS

2024-09-19T23:39:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd