A sudden and severe storm struck northern Italy on Wednesday night, causing at least 110 people to be injured by hailstones the size of tennis balls.
The region of Veneto was pounded with hailstones measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, according to regional president Luca Zaia. The unexpected storm led to chaos on the streets, with emergency services receiving over 500 calls for help due to property damage and personal injuries, as reported by the Veneto regional civil protection.
In the aftermath of the storm, workers have been busy removing broken glass from shattered windows and trimming damaged trees and plants. Luca Zaia stated that the majority of injuries were caused by broken glass and people slipping on the large hailstones.
Tragically, a 53-year-old man lost his life during the storm when he was riding his bicycle and his wife, who was following him in their car, accidentally ran over him..
This extreme weather event is part of a series of dramatic weather shifts that Europe has experienced this year. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece have endured prolonged periods of scorching heat. For instance, Rome, the Italian capital, set a new record temperature of 41 degrees Celsius on a previous day.
Read more: Devastating flooding in Italy claims 5 lives as survivors seek refuge on rooftops
The Italian Meteorological Society gave a name to the recent heatwave – Cerberus, after the three-headed monster from Dante’s Inferno, who guards the gates of hell. Luca Mercalli, the head of the Italian Meteorological Society, emphasized that the Earth is experiencing a high fever, and Italy is acutely feeling its effects.
In May, the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna faced devastating flooding, which was described as a “once in a century” event. More than 20 rivers in the region overflowed, leading to landslides and widespread destruction.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that extreme weather events like these will become more frequent and intense due to the human-caused climate crisis. As our planet warms, the risk of severe storms, heatwaves, flooding, and other natural disasters increases significantly.
Read more: Italy flood death toll rises to 14 as devastation continues
It is crucial for governments, communities, and individuals to take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and adapt to the new reality of more extreme weather events. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, protecting natural ecosystems, and implementing resilient infrastructure to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate.
While the situation may seem overwhelming, there is hope in collective efforts to address climate change. Countries must work together to meet international climate goals and limit global warming to avoid even more severe consequences in the future.
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In the face of extreme weather events, preparedness and swift response are essential to minimize the damage and protect human lives. This incident in Italy serves as a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a current and urgent issue that requires immediate action on a global scale.
As communities in Italy recover from the hailstorm’s impacts, it is essential to support those affected and work towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for all. Only through unified efforts can we hope to tackle the challenges posed by the changing climate and protect the well-being of current and future generations.
