Milan, June 2 – The city of Milan remains under a weather alert following heavy rains that fell in the late morning. The Lombardy Region’s Natural Risk Monitoring Center has issued an orange alert, indicating moderate hydrogeological risk, and a yellow alert, signifying ordinary hydraulic and thunderstorm risk. The orange alert for hydrogeological risk is in effect from 2:00 PM until midnight on Wednesday, while the yellow alert for hydraulic risk and thunderstorms is valid until 6:00 AM tomorrow.
Rivers Under Close Scrutiny: Seveso and Lambro
The Seveso and Lambro rivers are under particular surveillance, and citizens are urged to exercise caution near areas at risk of flooding and underpasses. During the alert period, it is crucial to pay close attention to meteorological phenomena, especially during outdoor events, to prevent dangerous situations.
Marco Granelli, Milan’s Councillor for Civil Protection, explained the measures taken: “The Milan Seveso basin was operational for approximately 75-80 minutes, from 12:25 PM to 1:45 PM, and filled to just under half its capacity. Since around 1:45 PM, as the basin is not filling further, water is being pumped back into the Seveso, returning it to the river. This way, taking advantage of the break in precipitation, the basin is being emptied, creating space for the new rains expected this afternoon and evening, until the early part of the night, when they should definitively end.”
Impact on the Lambro River and Evacuation Measures
The Lambro river also experienced a significant rise. “The Lambro river rose considerably, exceeding 2.30 meters in Via Feltre, which triggered the evacuation of communities,” Granelli added. “In Ponte Lambro, Via Vittorini and a small part of Via Camaldoli were flooded. The mobile floodgates reduced the impact. Now the sewage system has receded, and the flooding has subsided. Thanks to the work done on closing basement areas, waterproofing systems, and protective interventions, the damages that previously affected homes and elevators have so far been avoided.”
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise residents to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
