Torrential rains flood Milan, man missing in Piedmont

On Thursday, northern Italy experienced severe rainstorms that led to significant flooding, particularly in Milan. The intense weather caused the Seveso and Lambro rivers to overflow, resulting in widespread disruption across the city. Firefighters responded to numerous emergency calls, rescuing individuals trapped in vehicles and addressing flooded basements. Notably, Milan's Radio Popolare station was forced to cease broadcasting for the first time since its inception in 1976 due to water inundation at its broadcast center. In the Piedmont region, a man was reported missing after being swept away while operating a tractor. Local authorities are conducting search operations near Turin, where the vehicle was found partially submerged in the Orco creek. The search for the 58-year-old man highlights the dangers posed by the extreme weather conditions. The flooding also caused infrastructure damage, including the collapse of two bridges in the Val di Susa area, which isolated approximately 50 residents in two villages. The provincial road was blocked, complicating rescue efforts and access to these communities. Scientists have raised concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, attributing this trend to the climate crisis. The current situation in northern Italy contrasts sharply with the severe drought affecting southern regions, such as Sicily and Sardinia, which has severely impacted local agriculture and tourism.