Downpour in Ischia, the mayor: "A nightmare, roads like rivers"

The violent storm that hit Ischia last night transformed the island's streets into raging torrents, paralyzing residents' lives and evoking the spectre of the 2022 flood.

With over 40 millimeters of rain falling in just over half an hour, the island's infrastructure once again proved inadequate in the face of the fury of the elements.

The hardest-hit areas were Pilastri and Ponte, in the municipality of Ischia, where water overflowed the roadsides, invading homes and businesses. Numerous vehicles were stranded, while some were even swept away by the current.

Terrified residents spent hours of anguish recalling the dramatic images of the flood that devastated the island two years ago.

"It was a nightmare night," residents of the area said: "It felt like we were reliving it all over again. We're afraid it might happen again."

The mayor of Ischia, Enzo Ferrandino, immediately activated the Municipal Operations Center to coordinate rescue and recovery operations. "It was an exceptional event", declared the mayor, "but it is clear that our territory is vulnerable and requires urgent structural interventions."

Images of the flooded streets, shared on social media, went viral around the world, sparking deep emotion and solidarity.

The need for a turning point

The 2022 flood left deep scars on the island of Ischia. Twelve people lost their lives and numerous buildings were destroyed. Since then, several projects have been launched to secure the area, but the results achieved so far appear insufficient.

"We cannot afford to stand by helplessly as new disasters unfold," the mayor continued. "A change of pace is needed, with massive investments and land-use planning that is sensitive to hydrogeological risks."

Immediate priorities

The immediate priorities are debris removal, street cleaning and reactivation of essential services. However, it is essential to look to the future and implement structural measures to prevent new disasters.

Among the most urgent actions are:

Sewerage system enhancement: The existing sewerage network is not able to cope with extreme weather events. The infrastructure needs to be expanded and modernized to ensure adequate stormwater drainage.
Securing the slopesi: The brakes They pose a constant threat to the island. It is essential to stabilize the slopes and remove unstable material.

Creating an early warning systemAn effective warning system would allow for the evacuation of risk areas in good time, saving human lives.
Promotion of the culture of prevention: It is essential to raise awareness among the population about the risks associated with the territory and promote responsible behavior.

The flooding in Ischia is a wake-up call that cannot be ignored. The island needs a long-term plan of intervention, coordinated at the national and regional levels, to ensure the safety of its inhabitants and protect its environmental heritage.