Sardinia Declares a State of Emergency due to Cyclone CLEOPATRA

Cyclone CLEOPATRA Leaves Thousands Displaced in Sardinia

Death toll in Sardinia storms has climbed to at least 17, with a dozen others reported missing, as thousands of people abandon their flooded homes taking refuge in hotels.

Cyclone Cleopatra dumped 450mm in 90 minutes late Monday, causing “apocalyptic” flooding in the region.

Swollen rivers have burst their banks, roads have been washed away and large swathes of countryside isolated throughout the province of Nuoro.

The calamity was described as a “national tragedy” by the Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

The regional governor Ugo Cappellacci told SkyTG24 television the town of Olbia had been flooded with several bridges collapsing.

“The situation is tragic. The hotels in Olbia are full of people who have had to escape but there are thousands who have damage to their homes,” he said.

Olbia Mayor Gianni Giovanelli described the deadly storm as “apocalyptic.”

Deadly Flooding in Sardinia. Image credit:  TG24.sky.it

“We’re at maximum alert,” said an official from Sardinia’s civil protection office.

“We haven’t seen a situation as extreme as this, perhaps for decades, especially because it’s hit the entire island.”

The civil protection authorities in Veneto (Venetia) have warned extreme weather could hit several other regions, according to SkyTG24 television.

The bad weather will continue throughout the week. On Thursday a cold air front from northern Europe is forecast to intensify CLEOPATRA, as she continues to “rage over NE Italy.”

Major snowfall is forecast for Umbria, Marche and Tuscany regions.

The storms have caused significant damage to crops in Sardinia, according to reports.

Meantime, the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has sent a message of condolence to the families of flood victims.

Related Links

• “Apocalyptic” Storms, Flash Floods Strike Sardinia, Italy November 19, 2013