Severe Weather in Friuli: House Collapse Leads to Missing Persons in Italy
Severe weather conditions struck the Friuli region in northern Italy, causing significant damage and leading to emergency rescue efforts. A residential building in the area of Cormons, a well-known wine-producing region popular among Austrian tourists, collapsed after being struck by a mudslide early in the morning.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. when a mudflow swept through the area, impacting several homes. A German national, who had been residing in Cormons and operating a local restaurant, was reported missing after attempting to help a woman reach safety as the building gave way. Emergency teams responded promptly, rescuing one individual from the debris. The rescued person sustained a leg fracture and was transported to a hospital in Udine for treatment.
Rescue operations extended to the nearby locality of Cascina Rinaldi, where emergency personnel managed to save an elderly man from his car after it had veered into a ditch and begun to fill with water. The rapid response of the rescue teams was crucial in preventing further casualties, as reported by the emergency services.
The region experienced persistent heavy rain, contributing to landslides and flooding that overwhelmed infrastructure and emergency services. Local authorities have issued warnings for residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay alert for further weather-related hazards.
Specialized rescue units, including firefighters and civil protection teams, remain on site to search for missing individuals and to ensure the safety of local residents. The search for those unaccounted for is ongoing, with authorities utilizing advanced search equipment to comb through the debris and affected areas.
The Friuli region is known for its picturesque landscape and vibrant tourism industry, but recent extreme weather has caused widespread disruption. Road closures and public transportation delays have been reported, and the authorities are coordinating with local communities to provide shelter and support for those displaced by the incident.
Experts attribute the increased frequency of such weather events to changing climate patterns, which have led to heavier rainfall and a higher risk of landslides in mountainous and hilly terrain. Local officials have begun assessing the extent of the damage and are preparing to launch recovery and reconstruction efforts once conditions stabilize.
Residents are urged to follow official updates and to cooperate with emergency instructions as rescue and recovery operations continue throughout the affected districts. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as teams work to restore safety and normalcy to the region.