Exactly one year after the flood, Romagna continues to be battered by hail and violent storms. It happened on Wednesday 15th, with flooding in Lugo and Mordano, and again today, Thursday 16th, precisely in the days of the 2023 disaster. With the consequence of extensive damage to crops and agricultural systems.
In the north-west area of Ravenna, which includes the towns of Santerno, Piangipane, Camerlona and Sant’Antonio, at least 800 hectares of land were overwhelmed by water and hail, with the production of peaches, pears and tomatoes completely eliminated. Vineyards, cereals and chicory are also compromised. A total damage of around one million euros is estimated, with consequent negative employment impacts in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Agrisfera, despite not having suffered from the hail, is evaluating the impact of the intense rains on laid tomatoes and cereals. The Cab (agricultural cooperative) Fusignano has severe damage from wind and rain, which has knocked out the durum wheat and barley: the extent of the damage is being assessed. Cab Bagnacavallo records losses of around 25% of production in the 300 hectares affected, with hail on peaches and apricots towards Villa Prati and Boncellino.
The levels of the Po rise between Piacenza and Boretto
Following the rains of the last few hours and the flooding of some tributaries, in particular Lombardy, “it is estimated that the levels of the Po may rise again in the next 24-36 hours”, starting from 12 noon on 16 May. Values close to criticality threshold 1 (ordinary, yellow) are expected in the stretch between Piacenza and Boretto.
This was communicated by Aipo, the interregional agency of the Po river, specifying that “some floodplain areas may be affected by the event and therefore caution is advised when approaching the river”. The Aipo offices, he then ensures, “are operational in monitoring the event, in coordination with the regional and local civil protection systems”.
The political clash
Who promised and what does a year do to the flooded lands? During her first visit to Romagna, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made it clear that no one would be left alone. A year later, the entirely political rebound from a European perspective is leaving a trail of controversy which does not help the bureaucratic procedures for obtaining refunds and compensation, to the point that General Figliuolo himself – expiring on 30 June despite there being talk of extending it – does not hide the difficulties current: “Unfortunately – explains Figliuolo – there are procedures. I tried to streamline as much as possible. As far as I’m concerned, I will continue to work undaunted, trying to do good. The criticism is fair, I take it and I keep it to improve, but we must also give good messages to our citizens.” Perhaps the only words of common sense while Salvini’s League starts up with the refrain of Bonaccini abandoning the flood victims to go to Europe and the FdI group leader in the Chamber Tommaso Foti declares that “the affected citizens have rolled up their sleeves and, thanks to the support of the government which moved promptly to secure the territory, Emilia-Romagna managed to raise its head again in record time”. Democratic MP Ouidad Bakkali has an opposite opinion, according to which “the only things that remain are the catwalks and the false promises of ministers and Prime Minister Meloni. But now the limit is full, stop making fun of the Emilia Romagna people.”
The CGIL is very harsh
The promises of the Meloni government “ended up in the mud”. The budget of the CGIL of Emilia-Romagna is harsh. One year later, “it is necessary to remember the tragedy that our territory has suffered and to rally alongside those who unfortunately continue to suffer its consequences. However, we also need to take stock of the choices that have been made”, states the union. “The overall damage inflicted on our territory was around 9.5 billion euros and the government in the days immediately following the flood spent itself on the streets, promising that it would guarantee 100% compensation for the damage suffered by the population and a rapid and effective reconstruction. Unfortunately, things didn’t go this way.”
