Thunderstorms, winds gusting over 120 km/h, and storm surges battering the coasts. Cyclone Harry shows no respite, and the warning is not over yet.
The severe weather that has been affecting Sardinia since Monday will continue into the coming hours, so much so that the Civil Protection Department has issued a new warning extending the red alert for the Cagliari area, Campidano, and Ogliastra through today. Sulcis remains in red for another 24 hours due to hydrogeological risk, while the flood warning has been upgraded to orange. The Tirso and Gallura areas, however, have been upgraded from high to moderate (orange), prompting the reopening of schools and public offices.
The closures of schools, parks, gardens, and public offices have been extended in several cities, including Cagliari. However, the situation is expected to ease in the afternoon.
Nearly four months' worth of rain fell in 48 hours. Highway 195 was devastated by the storm surge, and numerous road collapses were reported along the coastal stretch between Cagliari and Capoterra. Dozens of families were evacuated in Capoterra and Sinnai , where an elderly man was rescued from his home in Teulaxia. In Cagliari, the Poetto neighborhood is under water , with waves reaching kiosks and restaurants. Flooding was also reported in the Nuoro area, and in Cala Gonone, the port and several homes affected by the sea were extensively damaged . In Tortolì, a tree fell due to strong winds, landing on a car whose two occupants suffered minor injuries.
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Todde speaks to Salvini and follows the evolution of the situation
Sardinia Regional President Alessandra Todde spoke with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini to update him on the effects and consequences of the severe weather that has hit the island in recent days. A statement reads, the president thanked the minister for his availability. She is in constant contact with the Civil Protection Department and the most affected local administrators, with whom she shared "their absolute willingness to jointly address the emerging critical issues. All operational structures are working hard."
Sinnai: Danger has passed along the Tasonis River.
www.unionesarda.it/news-sardegna/provincia-cagliari/sinnai-nuovo-sopralluogo-lungo-il-rio-tasonis-il-pericolo-sembra-rientrato-agiw79o4An inspection was conducted this morning in Tasonis on the stream that threatened to overflow yesterday. The COC (Coordination of the Operational Committee), Mayor Barbara Pusceddu, and the local police were present. The dangers appear to have subsided, with the rain having stopped.
Capoterra, the danger is over: the evacuees are returning to their homes.
www.unionesarda.it/news-sardegna/provincia-cagliari/capoterra-notte-tranquilla-e-paura-cessata-gli-sfollati-rientrano-nelle-loro-abitazioni-ce7iz1fdThe night passed peacefully, and fear has subsided in Maddalena Spiaggia, the village in Capoterra hardest hit by the storm surge. This morning, the Civil Protection pumps are at work, supported by the local police and the barracelli. Families are gradually returning to their homes.
The damage count at Poetto
Inspections and damage assessments at Poetto. The seafront is still flooded, with firefighters and the municipal maintenance company at work. From the first stop at the Marino hospital, staff are clearing debris and seaweed from kiosks. The sea is still rough, with strong undertow and high waves.
Data from the rainfall network
www.unionesarda.it/news-sardegna/in-48-ore-e-caduta-la-pioggia-di-quattro-mesi-record-in-ogliastra-387-mm-a-villagrande-370-a-urzulei-kwmxlk1yNearly four months of rain fell in just 48 hours, considering that the average annual rainfall on the island is nearly 600 mm, with peaks of up to 1,500 mm in the mountains. The record was recorded in Villagrande Strisaili; this morning's update reports 387 mm of rain falling in two days. Urzulei received 370 mm, Gairo 280 mm, and Jerzu 241 mm. Ogliastra was the area hardest hit by the rain. Further south, Sinnai recorded 187 mm.