Milan hit by deadly storm and flooding after dry summer

A severe storm struck northern Italy on Thursday, leading to significant flooding and raising concerns for a missing man in the Piedmont region. The man, aged 58, was swept away while operating a tractor, with search efforts ongoing near Turin. In Val di Susa, two bridges collapsed, isolating around 50 residents in two villages due to an overflowing river that blocked access routes. The flooding also severely impacted Milan, where the Seveso and Lambro rivers overflowed, prompting emergency services to respond to numerous incidents involving stranded motorists and flooded basements. Firefighters reported a surge in rescue calls as many people found themselves trapped in their vehicles in submerged underpasses. The flooding was so severe that Milan's Radio Popolare station, operational since 1976, was forced off the air due to water inundating its broadcast center. The extreme weather events are attributed to the ongoing climate crisis, which scientists warn is increasing the frequency and intensity of storms across Europe. In addition to the devastation in Italy, southern regions have been grappling with drought conditions that have adversely affected agriculture and tourism, particularly in Sicily and Sardinia. The situation in Spain has also been dire, with reports of a British woman found dead and a man missing after they were swept away by a flash flood while hiking in Mallorca. The Civil Guard in Spain is actively searching for the missing individual, highlighting the widespread impact of the recent storms. As more inclement weather is forecasted for both Italy and Spain, the situation remains precarious, with authorities on high alert for further flooding and potential casualties. The combination of heavy rainfall following a dry summer has created a volatile environment, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience measures in affected regions.