Scientists have issued a warning about the impact of the climate crisis on extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, downbursts, and flooding, both in Europe and globally. The recent wave of violent rainstorms in northern Italy serves as a stark example of this phenomenon.
Parts of northern Italy, including the financial hub Milan, have been hit hard by flooding, causing significant damage and disruption. The flooding resulted in the collapse of two bridges, blocking roads, isolating villages, and leaving a man missing after being swept away on a tractor in the Piedmont region.
In Milan, firefighters responded to numerous calls for rescue from people stuck in flooded underpasses and to drain water-filled basements. The city’s subway services were also suspended due to the flooding. Additionally, the Radio Popolare station went off the air for the first time since its founding in 1976 due to water inundation at the broadcast center.
Scientists emphasize that the climate crisis is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to increased moisture in warm air. Southern Italy, particularly Sicily and Sardinia, is also experiencing severe drought, causing significant challenges for agriculture and tourism.
This serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for action to address the climate crisis and mitigate its destructive impact on communities around the world.
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