Milan’s Councillor for Security, Marco Granelli, announced via social media that a state of weather alert is in effect from midnight. As a precaution against the risk of falling trees, the city has decided to keep all municipal parks closed tomorrow.
“We regret the inconvenience for our citizens and we apologize, but we must be aware and protect ourselves, as it is better to prevent serious damage,” stated Granelli. “The risk cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be reduced. A city becomes resilient when everyone does their part,” he added, referring to the severe weather alert affecting the Lombard capital and much of the region.
Granelli emphasized that preventive work is essential for handling such events. This includes hydraulic infrastructure like the Seveso river expansion basin, upgrades to underpass pumping systems and basins, and operational procedures such as the mobile barriers deployed at Ponte Lambro to protect the neighborhood.
He also highlighted the critical importance of public communication to ensure no one is taken by surprise and can prepare. This effort includes the city’s own updates as well as warnings issued by the Civil Protection department in at-risk areas.
Crucial preventative work has also been carried out by teams from AMSA [waste management] and MM [metro service] in underpasses and drainage grates in vulnerable zones to prevent flooding and ensure water collection systems are operating at peak performance.
Granelli extended thanks to the men and women of the Civil Protection, MM, AMSA, the Local Police, and numerous municipal departments—including parks, schools, commerce, events, culture, sport, social services, housing, roads, cemeteries, and communications—as well as the district councils, all of whom are engaged in informing the public and preparing the city’s response.