Italy remains on storm alert, ‘It’s not over yet’

Italians reeling from intense storms that caused damage, injuries and two deaths must brace for more bad weather, authorities warned on Friday.

“Unfortunately, it’s not over yet,” said Luigi D’Angelo of the Civil Defence Organisation in comments to La Stampa newspaper.

Storms pounded north-eastern and central Italy, among the many parts of Europe that have experienced extreme and at times lethal weather since Wednesday.

Cold air from northern Europe had collided with warm air from the Mediterranean region, causing heavy downpours.

This is according to a physicist and climate expert quoted in the Corriere Della Sera newspaper, Antonio Navarra.

Italy now appeared divided into two parts.

While the north and parts of central Italy are affected by storms and heavy rain, numerous forest and bush fires continue to blaze in the south and on the islands.

Fire brigades around the Sicilian capital Palermo were grappling overnight with several wildfires.

Winds and the drought-dry soil are helping flames spread.

Many of the fires are caused by arson or human negligence.