After days of heavy rainfall and flooding, Tuscany is slowly returning to normal. Schools and parks are set to reopen tomorrow, but challenges remain in several areas. President of the Region Eugenio Giani has officially requested the national government to declare a state of emergency, estimating damages at approximately 100 million euros.
Gradual Return to Normalcy
With weather alerts downgraded across the region, authorities have started lifting restrictions. Many museums, concerts, and sporting events that had been halted due to safety concerns are now resuming, including the highly anticipated Fiorentina-Juventus match.
Despite this progress, some areas are still grappling with the aftermath of the severe flooding. The Florence-Pisa-Livorno highway (FiPiLi) remains closed near Vicarello due to water submersion, and in Sesto Fiorentino, residents are still clearing mud and debris from streets and homes.
The Impact of the Floods
At the peak of the emergency, 1,471 people in the Florence metropolitan area were isolated in their homes, while 248 were evacuated. Over 1,200 households experienced power outages, and 14 municipalities had residents stranded in isolated villages. Emergency response teams, including 70 civil protection squads and hundreds of volunteers, worked tirelessly to manage over 4,000 emergency calls and provide assistance.
In Empoli, one of the worst-hit areas, entire neighborhoods were flooded, and the emergency room at the local hospital was also affected. Several key roads, including Via Lari and Via della Motta, remain impassable due to high water levels. A large sinkhole that appeared in the city center has added to the chaos. Mayor Alessio Mantellassi emphasized that while recovery efforts are underway, it is still too early to fully assess the extent of the damage.
Ongoing Challenges and Recovery Efforts
Authorities continue to monitor water levels in major rivers, including the Arno, which has receded but remains above normal levels. The emergency measures in place, such as flood barriers and water diversion systems, played a crucial role in preventing even greater damage. In Pisa, protective barriers helped contain the floodwaters, while in Prato, over 300 emergency interventions were carried out.
Giani has acknowledged the tireless efforts of civil protection teams, volunteers, and municipal workers in mitigating the crisis. Today, he and the regional civil protection assessor, Monia Monni, will meet with the head of national civil protection, Fabio Ciciliano, to assess the situation and discuss further recovery measures.
Looking Ahead
While the worst of the storm has passed, the road to full recovery is expected to be long. Rail connections in some areas remain disrupted, and the reopening of critical infrastructure, such as the FiPiLi highway, is a priority. Residents, businesses, and local authorities will continue to work together to rebuild after this devastating event.
As Tuscany moves forward, the request for national emergency status will be crucial in securing the necessary funding and resources to support affected communities. For now, the focus remains on clearing debris, restoring essential services, and ensuring that the region is better prepared for future extreme weather events.
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