Rome, Lazio, Italy – The traditional Epiphany Flight, a cherished event in Piazza Navona, has been canceled by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri following an orange weather alert issued by the Civil Protection. The severe weather, characterized by intense thunderstorms, has led to numerous inconveniences and flooding across the city, significantly impacting road and rail networks.
Mayor Gualtieri’s Ordinance: Closures and Precautions
The Mayor’s ordinance, effective for January 6th, includes a ban on recreational and sports activities in public areas and the closure of green spaces, gardens, parks, and historic villas. City cemeteries are also closed, with exceptions only for urgent funeral services. Citizens are advised to avoid underpasses, riverbanks, coastal areas, and to refrain from staying on piers or jetties. The Tiber’s urban embankments have been closed, and the Aniene River has overflowed in several areas outside the city center.
Impact and Emergency Response
The continuous rainfall, predicted to last for the next 24-36 hours, has prompted a maximum commitment from police and rescue forces, coordinated through the activated Local Operations Centers (COC). The Department of Social Policies is also monitoring and assisting homeless individuals, particularly in coastal areas like Ostia Idroscalo and the Aniene basin.
Monica Lucarelli, Councillor for Productive Activities, expressed regret over the cancellation of the Epiphany Flight, acknowledging its symbolic and emotional value, especially for children. However, she emphasized that “the safety of people comes first.” She noted that the Piazza Navona festival had already seen high attendance, with peaks of up to 7,000 people on holidays and pre-holidays, prior to the weather disruption.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Concerns
The severe weather has already caused several incidents. A tree collapsed in Re di Roma, and two 20-year-old girls were rescued by firefighters from a flooded basement in Trigoria. A pine tree also fell near the Colosseum on the Imperial Forums, causing fear among tourists but no injuries. The Aniene River continues to be a concern, with alerts for illegal settlements along its banks after days of rain.
The city remains on high alert, with authorities urging residents to exercise caution and adhere to the issued guidelines. The full extent of the damage and disruptions is still being assessed as the storms persist.
Source: [corriere.it](https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_05/maltempo-a-roma-volo-della-befana-annullato-a-piazza-navona-ordinanza-del-sindaco-chiusi-parchi-e-cimiteri-f26ff065-cfa5-4201-9423-d98f1142axlk.shtml)
