The devastating storms and floods in northern Italy are yet another reminder of the extremes of global climate change. I remember travelling through the region on a vespa a few years ago and even then, basked in September sunshine, it looked crumbling and vulnerable – which I found to be chic and picturesque at the time.
Now, the heavy rains, strong winds and floods are reported to have caused extensive damage to the sequence of coastal villages there. The famous tourist spots are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unfortunately Italian administration is not known for efficient emergency response, so I imagine it will take quite some time to see restoration efforts and get everything back on track. Reports say that the roads are flooded and damaged, which additionally impedes progress, as conditions worsen along the coast. An Italian news agency announced that a fishing village of Monterosso has been almost entirely wiped out and “no longer exists”! [This reminds me of my post and Newsweek list of places that are disappearing].
We can at least hope that the worse if over in terms of natural disasters in the area. With the winter on threshold, though, this might not be the case. It’s heartbreaking to see such a gorgeous place in ruins.


Manarola, Cinque Terre

lazy life..

artistic vortex
