Storm 'Ciaran' Hits Western Europe... Death Toll Rises to 12

Storm Ciaran, which swept through Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, has now landed in Italy, resulting in at least 5 deaths. The death toll from this storm has risen to 12.

Flooding has occurred in the Campi Bisenzio area near Florence, Italy, due to Storm Ciara, submerging the roads. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

On the 3rd (local time), according to major local media, Storm Ciaran, which developed over the Atlantic Ocean, landed overnight in Tuscany, central Italy, causing at least 5 fatalities. Most of the 5 victims were elderly, with 2 dying near Montemurlo in Prato, northwest of Florence, and another 1 dying near Rosignano, close to the port city of Livorno, according to local media reports. At least 3 people went missing in Tuscany, and 1 person went missing near Venice in the north, suggesting that the number of casualties may increase.

The Italian Civil Protection Agency reported that about 200mm of heavy rain fell over three hours in the Tuscany area, causing rivers to overflow and resulting in flood damage. Eugenio Giani, the governor, declared a state of emergency in Tuscany via social media (SNS). He urged residents to stay indoors and on higher floors, saying, "There has never been so much rain in just a few minutes." Governor Giani also added that authorities are evacuating residents using rubber boats in Scandicci, Quarrata, and Campi Bisenzio, and have requested helicopters for emergency hospital transfers for those in need.

Dario Nardella, mayor of Florence, reported that the water level of the Arno River, which runs through the city center, has risen to a level 1 alert. He said, "Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the 1966 great flood, so there is great psychological fear." During that flood, 101 people died in Florence, and artworks and millions of rare books were damaged.

Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing many vehicles being swept away by floods in Campi Bisenzio and stated that the government is monitoring the situation.

Storm Ciaran is forecasted to move to southern Italy. The storm swept through Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany the previous day, claiming at least 7 lives. With winds reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, houses were damaged, and many people experienced power outages as trees were blown down onto power lines and transmission towers by the strong winds.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.