Italy - September 19, 2024

Amidst the catastrophic flooding engulfing Emilia-Romagna, dramatic scenes unfolded as helicopters from the Italian Fire Brigade and Air Force heroically airlifted residents from their rooftops, offering a lifeline in a region where rain has turned streets into rivers. The desperate situation has seen over 744 interventions by emergency services, with a significant portion dedicated to lifesaving rooftop extractions, underscoring the dire conditions on the ground.

The visual spectacle of residents being winched to safety from the tops of their homes in Traversara, Ravenna, amid the chaos caused by overflowing rivers, paints a vivid picture of the crisis. The Lamone river's rampage has left parts of the region virtually submerged, compelling residents to seek safety on the highest accessible points of their properties.

This unprecedented rescue operation, capturing the attention of the nation, reflects not just the severity of the flooding but also the indomitable spirit of both the rescue teams and the affected communities. With floodwaters claiming more ground by the hour, the efforts of the Vigili del Fuoco and the Italian Air Force stand as beacons of hope amidst the deluge.