Violent Storms Cause Chaos in Northern Italy

Northern Italy faced violent storms and torrential rains, causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. A man is missing after his tractor was swept away, and bridges and roads were affected. Scientists link these extreme weather events to the climate crisis, which is increasing their frequency and intensity.

Northern Italy faced a wave of violent storms and torrential rains on Thursday, leading to fears for the life of a man swept away on a tractor in the Piedmont region.

State TV RAI footage showed the wheel of the overturned tractor still visible inside the Orco creek, near Turin. Local rescuers said searches for the missing 58-year-old man were ongoing Thursday afternoon.

In Piedmont's Val di Susa, two bridges collapsed, isolating about 50 people in two villages after another river overflowed, blocking a provincial road. Lombardy and Veneto regions also experienced widespread flooding, causing damage and disruptions in Milan. Firefighters responded to dozens of call-outs, rescuing individuals stuck in cars and draining water-filled basements.

Flooding forced the suspension of some subway services and took Milan's Radio Popolare off the air for the first time since its founding in 1976. Scientists warn that the climate crisis is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)