Storms - Italy Damaged bridge - Cogne in the Aosta Valley only accessible by air

Following the severe storms at the weekend, the vacation resort of Cogne in the Aosta Valley in northern Italy is cut off from the outside world. The only access road to the village of 1300 inhabitants is no longer passable due to flooding.

250 people had to be evacuated from the village by helicopter. On Sunday, around 500 people were brought downstream thanks to the efforts of several helicopters. Several evacuated families were accommodated in hotels in the area.

The municipal administration reports that work is underway to restore the aqueduct damaged by flooding. There were still problems with the internet and telephone lines. The municipality asked the population to restrict their movement in the area.

Flooding and mudslides also occurred in the Piedmont region in north-western Italy. The fire department in Piedmont recorded 80 rescue operations at the weekend. In the Aosta Valley, a mudslide briefly blocked access to the vacation resort of Cervinia. Floods caused by a mountain stream bursting its banks led to flooding and serious damage in the municipality.

SDA