FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Southern Italy is experiencing dramatic days due to "Cyclone Harry", an unusual storm that is causing massive damage in Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia.
As heavy rains and raging seas continue to batter the country's southern coast, authorities have declared a state of emergency in several regions and have initiated procedures to request assistance from the central government and European funds.
According to an official statement from the Italian government, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Minister for Civil Protection Nello Musumeci and the head of Emergencies, Fabio Ciciliano. Meloni has expressed her support for the affected communities and promised support to cope with the damage, while within a few days government representatives will visit the affected areas to determine concrete measures.
In Sicily, the situation is more serious. The regional governor, Renato Schifani, has declared that the damage amounts to over 500 million euros and includes over 100 kilometers of coastline, roads, tourist ports, homes and economic structures. In Milazzo, in the province of Messina, the tourist port has been destroyed, while in Giardini Naxos, part of the pier has collapsed. In Catania, dozens of families have been evacuated in the Plaia area, where floods and landslides have made several road axes impassable.
Calabria has also suffered major damage, particularly in Melito Porto Salvo, where 100 meters of the seaside promenade have collapsed. The President of the Region, Roberto Occhiuto, has announced that a national emergency will be requested and that the local government is in constant contact with Minister Salvini to ensure immediate support.
In Sardinia, local authorities are preparing a request to declare a state of emergency. The region's Deputy Prime Minister Giuseppe Meloni stressed the importance of rapid government intervention through emergency mechanisms that accelerate the disbursement of funds.
According to meteorological experts, "Harry" is not a typical Mediterranean hurricane, but a cyclone formed by an Atlantic rift that has attracted warm and humid masses from North Africa. Wind speeds have reached up to 120 km/h, while a wave with a height of 9.71 meters was recorded in Catania, according to official ISPRA data.
Civil Protection authorities have declared a red alert for Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia. Many cities have suspended school classes, including Catania, Messina, Siracusa, Enna, Agrigento, Ragusa, Reggio Calabria and Cagliari.
As heavy rain and strong waves are expected to continue for the next 24-48 hours, the Italian government prepares to declare a national emergency, while hundreds of residents of coastal areas remain displaced and uncertain about the future.
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