Bolzano, Aug. 6 (LaPresse) – Overnight, following heavy rainfall, a serious debris flow affected the Gisse area in San Giovanni, in the municipality of Ahrntal. The flow, which originated from the Rio Rosso stream in the Malga Daimer area, reached the bed of the Aurino stream, temporarily blocking it. The Ahrntal road is currently completely closed. According to the information available so far, no injuries have been reported. A hotel and three homes, for a total of around 120 people, were evacuated as a precautionary measure. At the moment, around 50 people are temporarily being accommodated at the multi-purpose hall in Lutago, where they are receiving assistance from the White Cross, volunteer firefighters, emergency psychologists and an emergency doctor. Guests from the evacuated hotel have meanwhile been able to return to the facility. People who are currently unable to reach the upper part of Ahrntal beyond the Gisse/San Giovanni area are being hosted in Lutago, where they are assisted by the Lutago Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Emergency Response Team of the Brunico White Cross. Several excavators are working on site to remove the large quantities of mud and debris. Powerful searchlights and drones are also being used to illuminate and monitor the affected area. The Ahrntal Municipal Operations Center and the district emergency coordination center have been activated. The Volunteer Fire Brigades of San Giovanni, Lutago, Campo Tures, Molini di Tures and Riobianco are operating on site, while the Cadipietra Volunteer Fire Brigade is on standby. Also present are the Alpine Rescue Service, the White Cross, the Emergency Medical Coordination team, composed of the Coordinating Emergency Physician, the Coordinating Nurse of the Bolzano Single Emergency Center and the Organizational Coordinator of the White Cross, the Emergency Psychological and Spiritual Assistance Service, the Carabinieri and several private companies with earthmoving equipment. Public buses heading into the valley are currently running only as far as Campo Tures, while hiking trails in the Rio Rosso area remain closed. The reopening of the provincial road is expected, with cautious optimism, during the day.
South Tyrol, bad weather in Ahrntal: debris flow forces evacuation of 120 people
Bolzano, Aug. 6 (LaPresse) – Overnight, following heavy rainfall, a serious debris flow affected the Gisse area in San Giovanni, in the municipality of Ahrntal. The flow, which originated from the Rio Rosso stream in the Malga Daimer area, reached the bed of the Aurino stream, temporarily blocking it. The Ahrntal road is currently completely closed. According to the information available so far, no injuries have been reported. A hotel and three homes, for a total of around 120 people, were evacuated as a precautionary measure. At the moment, around 50 people are temporarily being accommodated at the multi-purpose hall in Lutago, where they are receiving assistance from the White Cross, volunteer firefighters, emergency psychologists and an emergency doctor. Guests from the evacuated hotel have meanwhile been able to return to the facility. People who are currently unable to reach the upper part of Ahrntal beyond the Gisse/San Giovanni area are being hosted in Lutago, where they are assisted by the Lutago Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Emergency Response Team of the Brunico White Cross. Several excavators are working on site to remove the large quantities of mud and debris. Powerful searchlights and drones are also being used to illuminate and monitor the affected area. The Ahrntal Municipal Operations Center and the district emergency coordination center have been activated. The Volunteer Fire Brigades of San Giovanni, Lutago, Campo Tures, Molini di Tures and Riobianco are operating on site, while the Cadipietra Volunteer Fire Brigade is on standby. Also present are the Alpine Rescue Service, the White Cross, the Emergency Medical Coordination team, composed of the Coordinating Emergency Physician, the Coordinating Nurse of the Bolzano Single Emergency Center and the Organizational Coordinator of the White Cross, the Emergency Psychological and Spiritual Assistance Service, the Carabinieri and several private companies with earthmoving equipment. Public buses heading into the valley are currently running only as far as Campo Tures, while hiking trails in the Rio Rosso area remain closed. The reopening of the provincial road is expected, with cautious optimism, during the day.