Number of extreme natural events in Italy increased by 22% in 2023

At least 378 extreme natural events were recorded in 2023 in Italy, an increase of 22% compared to 2022, reads the final report of the environmental protection association Legambiente, Report informs referring to TASS.

As a result of the disaster, 31 people died, the damage is estimated in billions of euros.

The northern parts of the country were hit the hardest by the disaster. Compared to 2022, the number of floods and river overflows increased by 170%, the number of heavy rainfalls and landslides increased by 64%, and there were 34.5% more cases of hail. Maximum temperatures were recorded three times more often in cities.

Legambiente President Stefano Ciafani reminded about several current states of emergency imposed after devastating natural disasters, such as the floods in the Emilia-Romagna region, which caused damage of more than 11 billion euros.

“Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity,” he stressed.

The association called on the country’s government to adopt a national climate change adaptation plan, which involves allocating funds to prevent the consequences of bad weather and other extreme natural events.