A German grandmother and her five-month-old grandson are reported missing following a devastating flash flood that struck their holiday accommodation near Pisa, Tuscany.
The family alerted emergency services on Monday evening when the nearby River Sterza overflowed, causing water to surge into their home. However, local reports indicate that a language barrier and challenges in locating the family delayed the response from firefighters.
As the family attempted to ascend to the upper levels of the house for safety, tragedy struck when the baby fell into the raging waters. The grandmother was swept away in her desperate attempt to rescue him. Fortunately, other family members, including the baby’s grandfather and parents, were able to escape to the rooftop and were later rescued.
Rescue operations involving over 100 firefighters are currently underway, but they face significant obstacles resulting from the flood’s aftermath. Numerous roads have collapsed, and substantial areas are covered in mud.
A firefighter noted that the river’s surge occurred “incredibly quickly,” with waves reaching heights of 2.5 meters (8 feet) and exhibiting extreme force.
The region has experienced relentless heavy rainfall since Monday, and forecasters predict continued adverse weather conditions until at least Wednesday’s end. Local farmers have reported extensive damage to crops and vineyards due to the flooding.
Eugenio Giani, the regional president, disclosed that the area experienced more rainfall in six hours than typically occurs over an entire month, marking the most intense weather event since records began.
Just last week, the Emilia Romagna region to the east of Tuscany faced severe flooding, necessitating the evacuation of over 1,000 residents, with two individuals reported missing in Bagnacavallo, near Ravenna.
