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Father and Son Die After Sinkhole Opens Amidst Italian Floods
Tragedy struck in Italy as a father and son perished after being engulfed by a sinkhole in the northern region, which has been ravaged by severe flooding. The incident occurred in the wake of Storm Hans, an extreme weather system that has unleashed a trail of destruction across Europe.
Storm Hans Brings Devastation Across Europe
The powerful storm system, dubbed Storm Hans, swept across parts of Spain, Switzerland, and Italy, unleashing torrential rainfall, sudden flash floods, and significant snowfall. The intense weather led to widespread disruptions and hazardous conditions across the affected regions.
Widespread Road Closures and Travel Disruption
Numerous roads were closed across Spain, Switzerland, and Italy due to fallen trees and the elevated risk of avalanches. Tourists in French ski resorts impacted by heavy snow were advised to remain indoors for their safety. The extreme conditions severely hampered travel and rescue operations.
Italian Father and Son Victims of Sinkhole Tragedy
Leone and Francesco Nardon, aged 64 and 33 respectively, tragically died when their vehicle plunged into a sinkhole in Valdagno, Italy, on the previous night. Local reports indicate the pair were assisting with rescue efforts during the storm when the ground beneath them gave way due to the saturated conditions.
Car Swallowed by Sinkhole, Ending Up in River
According to local news sources, the vehicle was completely swallowed by the newly formed chasm and was found in the Agno River. The incident underscores the perilous conditions created by the relentless rainfall and flooding.
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Elderly Man Found Dead in Flooded Home
In a separate incident, a 92-year-old man was discovered deceased by firefighters in his flooded residence in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The fire brigade confirmed the fatality, further highlighting the storm’s deadly impact.
Intense Rainfall and Snowfall Lash Northern Italy
The Italian air force weather service reported “intense and abundant” rainfall across northern Italy, with precipitation turning to snow at altitudes above 1,800 meters (5,905 feet). This rapid shift from rain to snow exacerbated the already dangerous situation.
Piedmont Region on Red Alert Due to Severe Flooding
The northwest region of Piedmont was placed on red alert as heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding in towns and caused the collapse of a bridge in the Biella area. The region suffered significant damage, with communities struggling to cope with the deluge.
Further Impacts of Storm Hans
Dramatic video footage captured fast-flowing floodwaters inundating streets in Turin, leaving parts of the city submerged. The sheer volume of water overwhelmed infrastructure and caused widespread disruption.
Power Outages and Disrupted Services
Nearly half of the municipalities in the Aosta Valley experienced power outages due to trees collapsing onto power lines. The extensive outages further compounded the challenges faced by residents during the storm.
Alpine Ski Resorts Issue Stay-Indoors Warnings
Tourists in snow-impacted ski resorts were cautioned to remain indoors as Storm Hans also claimed another life in the Alpine town of Val Thorens. The continuing hazardous conditions prompted authorities to prioritize public safety.
Cardiac Arrest Linked to Avalanche in Val Thorens
Local media reported that a man suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after being buried by an avalanche near the entrance to the Val Thorens ski resort. The incident underscores the heightened avalanche risks in the Alps.
Multiple Avalanches Reported, Risk Level Raised
Four avalanches were reported in the Les Menuires and Val Thorens areas, according to Ludovic Trautmann, director of the Savoie Prefecture. The avalanche risk was elevated to its maximum level in several regions, leading to the closure of numerous ski areas.
Unusual April Snowfall Surprises Alps Region
While snowfall in April is not uncommon in the Alps, the sheer volume that accumulated in a short period was described as unusual, catching authorities and residents off guard. The unexpected intensity of the snowfall added to the challenges posed by the storm.
Call for Vigilance Amidst Ongoing Weather Hazards
Trautmann urged “the utmost vigilance” from both tourists and residents in the days ahead, emphasizing the continuing risks associated with the aftermath of the storm.
Thousands of Homes Without Power, Road Disruptions Expected
A press release indicated that 4,000 homes were without electricity and that ongoing disruptions to the road network were anticipated. The widespread infrastructure damage will require significant recovery efforts.
Residents Ordered to Stay Indoors in Tignes
In Tignes, authorities mandated residents to stay indoors after more than 1.1 meters (three and a half feet) of snow fell overnight. The extreme snowfall created dangerous conditions and restricted movement.
Met Office Warns of Continued Risks
The Met Office, in a statement on social media, highlighted that Storm Hans would continue to bring strong winds and rough seas to parts of the Mediterranean. They also warned of continued heavy rainfall, particularly in northern Italy, with the potential for flash flooding and landslides.
Hotel Employee Describes Worrying Conditions
A hotel employee in Tignes described the conditions as alarming, stating, “All cars are covered up to the roof… Just walking outside is worrying.” The severe weather has significantly impacted daily life in the affected areas.
Heaviest Snowfall of the Season
The tourist office in Tignes characterized the recent snowfall as “the heaviest snowfall of the season,” underscoring the exceptional nature of the weather event.
Swiss Town Residents Urged to Stay Home
Similarly, in the Swiss town of Sion, 36,000 residents were also advised to stay at home due to the hazardous conditions. Authorities across multiple regions are prioritizing public safety.
Flood Concerns Rise with Snow Melt
A retired ski instructor in Termignon expressed concern about the potential for floods when the heavy snowfall melts in the spring sunshine. The accumulated snowpack presents a future risk as temperatures rise.
Travel Restrictions and Highway Closures
Heavy trucks were prohibited from using the main Mont Blanc tunnel between France and Italy, and numerous vehicles unable to pass through tunnels were stranded on the A43 highway connecting Italy and France. The storm caused significant disruptions to international transportation.
Exceptional Weather Event
Trains were also affected by the storm, and at one point, over 3,300 French homes were without power in the Savoie region, according to local authorities. The widespread impacts demonstrate the severity of Storm Hans.
Long-Term Resident Remarks on Unprecedented Conditions
Didier Beauchet, a retiree residing in Lanslebourg in Savoie for 40 years, described the weather as “truly exceptional,” stating he had witnessed such conditions only a handful of times in his decades living in the region. This reinforces the unusual and extreme nature of the recent weather event.