Rome, January 6, 2026 – Heavy and persistent rainfall has caused significant flooding across Rome and its province, leading to numerous emergency interventions and the activation of crisis units. The Aniene River, a tributary of the Tiber, has become a particular concern, exceeding its banks in various areas, while access to the Tiber’s embankments has been closed as a precautionary measure.
Crisis Units Activated as Floodwaters Rise
Giuseppe Napolitano, director of Rome Capital’s Civil Protection, confirmed that crisis units have been deployed to manage the ongoing severe weather. “We are dealing with a weather alert that was initially yellow, but turned orange this morning,” Napolitano stated to RomaToday. “Since Sunday afternoon, hundreds of teams have been monitoring the situation and intervening where necessary. We are hopeful for clearer weather starting tomorrow, and at the moment, there are no critical issues beyond what we are already managing.”
Emergency services, including firefighters, civil protection, local police, and other law enforcement agencies, have been on high alert since Sunday afternoon, responding to hundreds of calls across the region.
Rivers Under Scrutiny: Aniene a Major Concern
The condition of the local rivers is a primary focus for authorities. Napolitano explained, “We are working strategically to assist the population, involving municipal technicians, volunteers, firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and other structures. We are managing resources and communications and monitoring all possible risk situations.”
The embankments of the Tiber River have been closed since yesterday evening, a measure taken on average 6 to 7 times a year. So far, the Tiber is performing its natural function without significant issues. However, the Aniene River presents a greater challenge. “Unlike the Tiber, the Aniene does not have floodplains, making it at risk of overflowing in several areas, even within Rome,” Napolitano highlighted.
Particular attention is being paid to areas such as Corcolle, Tiburtino, Montesacro, and municipalities in the northeast and Castelli Romani, where mountainous terrain contributes to the swelling of waterways.
Motorists Trapped, Homes Flooded
The heavy rains have not only caused rivers to swell but have also led to widespread street flooding, road closures, and fallen trees and branches. Hundreds of interventions have been reported across all quadrants of Rome, including rescuing dozens of motorists trapped in their vehicles by high water.
On Sunday evening, a subway underpass in Viale di Tor Bella Monaca saw vehicles stranded. This morning, on Via Ardeatina, firefighters rescued two truck drivers trapped in their heavy vehicles due to the flooded roadway.
Dramatic Rescue in Trigoria
The impact of the flooding extended to private residences. In Trigoria, firefighters conducted a dramatic rescue of two women, aged 21 and 24, who were trapped in a basement apartment. Due to the flooding, they were unable to exit. Firefighters cut through window grates to free the women, who were then treated for hypothermia by 118 medical personnel.
San Vittorino Ditch Overflows in Tivoli
The province of Rome has also been significantly affected. The municipality of Tivoli reported that local authorities, including the Mayor, technical offices, local police, associations, and the Civil Protection delegate, have been closely monitoring the hydraulic network since early morning. A flood surge on the Aniene River has impacted the Plauzi area, inside the wall protecting Villa Adriana from flooding.
The rising level of the Aniene River has caused secondary ditches, such as the San Vittorino ditch in the A24 area near the Tivoli toll booth, to overflow. Currently, this primarily affects uncultivated fields and the ditch along Via Vincenzo Bellini. Other secondary ditches, including Fosso San Gregorio, Fosso Empiglione, Fosso delle Prata, and Fosso San Pastore, also have high water levels but remain within their channels. The Aniene remains the primary concern, as continued precipitation in the coming days could worsen the situation.
The Civil Protection of Rome Capital can be contacted 24/7 for information and interventions at the toll-free number 800 854 854 or 06 67109200.
Sources: [romatoday.it](https://www.romatoday.it/cronaca/maltempo-roma-tevere-aniene-situazione.html), [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/informazione-di-servizio.page?contentId=IDS705791), [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/notizia.page?contentId=NWS1442499), [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/informazione-di-servizio.page?contentId=IDS1436006), [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/informazione-di-servizio.page?contentId=IDS1358785)
