Florence remains vulnerable to floods

Florence

IT was what Tuscans simply refer to as l'alluvione, or the flood, because almost everyone here who is old enough remembers the morning, 50 years ago this month, when the Arno River spilled over its banks in Florence's most devastating natural disaster of modern times.

Water and sludge, fuel oil and debris, carcasses and cars were carried along by the floodwaters running up to 45 miles an hour through Florence's historic centre. The flooding killed 35 people and caused lasting damage to homes, buildings and treasured artworks. Some 6,000 businesses were ruined, and 70,000 citizens were left without electricity, gas or heating for days.

Florentines watched helplessly as the water rose, and the government did little at first to respond, seemingly disregarding the flood, or in disbelief of it. A handful of radio amateurs restored communications by jury-rigging phone lines…