Rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for any potential missing individuals and to clear the streets of Bardonecchia, an Italian Alpine city near Turin, following a devastating mudslide that inundated the town with water and debris, triggering overflowing riverbanks. Fortunately, local authorities have confirmed that all residents have been located and are safe.
Late on August 13, Bardonecchia experienced a series of violent mudslides that coated the city's streets with a thick layer of gray mud. Witness videos captured the harrowing scene as torrents of dirt and debris overwhelmed a gate and residents fled to safety while the muck surged down the city's thoroughfares. Other footage displayed the forceful mud coursing through the river banks that traverse the town.
Piedmont regional governor Alberto Cirio provided reassurance that there were no casualties, and he announced that the five people initially believed to be missing have been successfully located. In a Facebook post, Cirio emphasized the substantial extent of the damage and disclosed that he has already reached out to the national government to request assistance. He added that civil protection teams are en route to clear debris from roads and assess the hydrological condition of the Frejus River, which played a central role in the incident.
Firefighters reported through social media that they managed to rescue six individuals overnight from an overturned camper, highlighting the critical role of emergency response teams in these situations.
Bardonecchia, situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters, is a popular destination within the Italian Alps, drawing visitors for both winter mountain sports and summer hiking. The city is surrounded by various rivers, streams, creeks, and tributaries, including the Frejus, Melezet, and Rochemolles. Tragically, the mudslide occurred on a day when the city was celebrating its patron feast day, St. Hipolito, with a range of daytime festivities, games, and planned nighttime fireworks, as per the city's tourism agency.
As the rescue and recovery efforts continue, the community of Bardonecchia remains resilient, rallying together to confront the aftermath of this natural disaster. The collaboration between local and national authorities, as well as the tireless dedication of first responders, serves as a testament to the strength of community spirit even in the face of adversity.
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