The powerful storm that has hit Italy has caused serious consequences, especially in the north and center of the country. Flood alerts have been raised to the highest level due to the dramatic rise in water levels on the Po River, which is in danger of overflowing its banks on the border between Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Heavy rain and snow have triggered landslides and major flooding, causing traffic disruptions and major damage to infrastructure.
Two people have died in the Vicenza area, where their car was swallowed by a sinkhole caused by flooding. The victims have been identified as Leone Nardon, 65, and his son Francesco, 34, who were travelling to offer their help as volunteers. The Vicenza prosecutor's office is investigating for manslaughter.
A day earlier, a 92-year-old man drowned in his home near Turin, due to flooding from the local river.
In the Piedmont region, economic damage is expected to reach tens of millions of euros, and bridge collapses and power outages have been reported in some areas. More than 700 firefighters have been deployed to help clear roads and rescue affected citizens.
Heavy snowfall hit the Alps of Italy, France and Switzerland on Thursday, causing travel disruptions and power outages.
In France, avalanche warnings reached level five in places such as Chamonix, with reports of over a metre of snow falling in some areas.
In Switzerland, snow has disrupted road and rail transport and left several areas in the canton of Valais without power. Schools in the region were closed on Thursday as a precaution.
In Zermatt, authorities set up emergency meeting points to distribute essential supplies amid ongoing power outages.
Local media reported that snowfall of this intensity has not been recorded in central Valais in April since 1976. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
