MILAN – The Seveso river burst its banks in the Niguarda area of Milan shortly after 10 a.m. on Monday following hours of heavy rainfall. More than 200 millimeters of rain have already fallen across the river’s basin, overwhelming the Senago retention basin. “Unfortunately, the basin is full to capacity and starting from 10-10:15 it began to overflow in Niguarda, in the Pratocentenaro district,” reported Marco Granelli, Milan’s councilor for civil protection, on social media. He also noted a high level in the Lambro river and flooding on Via Vittorini, a critical point where mobile barriers had been installed at 6 a.m.
Firefighters were engaged in numerous interventions across the city. In Via Val Cismon, in the Niguarda district, they evacuated a private school. Widespread flooding was reported, with cars stranded in underpasses and power outages in areas where electrical cabinets were compromised by water.
The severe weather extended beyond Milan, causing significant disruption across northern Italy.
Piedmont: Woman Missing and Widespread Isolations**
In Spigno Monferrato, Alessandria, helicopter searches are underway for a woman reported missing. Fifteen people are also isolated at a campsite, with rescue operations in progress. Rising water levels triggered a landslide and flooded several homes. Authorities are anticipating a peak in the Bormida river in Alessandria later in the afternoon. Firefighters have already carried out 22 rain-related interventions. Landslides have damaged roads, including a reactivation of an existing landslide on the outskirts of Acqui Terme. Numerous towns have closed schools, and several roads are blocked due to flooding and fallen trees. Rail traffic on the Alessandria-Savona line is suspended.
Lombardy and Liguria: Orange Alert in Effect**
Italy’s Civil Protection Department has issued an orange weather alert, the second-highest level, for Liguria and northern Lombardy. A yellow alert is in place for eight other regions, including Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscia. The weather system, originating from the Atlantic via France, is forecast to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, potentially accompanied by hail and strong winds.
Landslide on Lake Como**
A landslide triggered by overnight rain occurred on the SP 583 “Lariana” road near the border between Como and Blevio early Monday morning. A passing car was involved, but no injuries were reported. The road remains closed as firefighters work on the scene. Another key route, the Statale 340 “Regina” near Colonno, is also temporarily closed due to debris.
Liguria: School Closures and Transport Disruption**
In response to the orange alert, schools at all levels, including universities, have been closed across most of Liguria, including in Genoa, La Spezia, and Savona. The SS29 state road has been closed in two different locations in the Savona province due to flooding and a separate landslide, with Anas crews working to restore traffic.