Deadly Mudslide Claims Two Lives in Northern Italy
A tragic mudslide in the small village of Brazzano, located near the Slovenian border in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, has claimed the lives of two people following days of torrential rainfall. The victims include a 32-year-old German shopkeeper and his 83-year-old neighbor, who he was attempting to rescue when both were swept away by the powerful mudflow.
Heroic Rescue Attempt Turns Fatal
According to eyewitness accounts reported by Italian media, the German man had initially evacuated to safety but returned to help others as the situation worsened. 'He had already reached safety but went back to help his neighbors,' one local resident told reporters. 'He managed to save one woman, then went to help his elderly neighbor when the house collapsed on them.'
The man was reportedly trying to break down his neighbor's door when the structure gave way, burying both victims under meters of debris. Emergency services conducted an extensive search operation that lasted through the night before recovering their bodies.
Record Rainfall Triggers Widespread Damage
The region experienced unprecedented rainfall, with the nearby town of Cormons recording more than 150 millimeters of precipitation within just six hours. This extreme weather event caused multiple landslides and flooding throughout the area, submerging roads and homes and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate.
Civil protection teams worked tirelessly through the night, using boats to rescue people trapped in their homes by rising floodwaters. One additional man was found with serious injuries, including multiple bone fractures, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Regional Impact and Recovery Efforts
The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, known for its varied climate and proximity to both the Adriatic Sea and Alpine regions, has experienced increasing extreme weather events in recent years. While the heaviest rainfall has now subsided, recovery operations continue as authorities work to pump out standing water and assess structural damage.
'This is one of the worst weather events we've seen in this area in recent memory,' commented a local emergency services coordinator. 'The combination of intense rainfall and the region's topography created perfect conditions for these devastating mudslides.'
Residents remain uncertain when they will be able to return to their homes, as authorities continue to evaluate the safety of affected buildings and infrastructure. The incident highlights the growing challenges faced by communities in regions vulnerable to climate-related extreme weather events.