16 Sep 2022 | 12:04 PM UTC
Italy: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Marche Region as of Sept. 16
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Marche Region, Italy, as of Sept. 16. Casualties and damage reported.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Marche Region as of Sept. 16. Heavy rainfall overnight Sept. 15-16 saw around 40 cm (16 inches) of rainfall in parts of the region, causing many rivers to break their banks and inundating several urban areas across the region. Areas of Ancona Province were amongst the worst affected, including in and around the city of Ancona. Parts of Pesaro and Urbino provinces have also been heavily impacted. As of Sept. 16, authorities have reported at least ten fatalities associated with the flooding and four other people are missing. Numerous buildings have been damaged by floodwater and debris and several roads in the region have been made impassable. Damage assessments and response operations are ongoing and disruptions in affected areas are likely to continue over the coming days. Further thunderstorms are forecast over the region Sept. 16, which could trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst-affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
