Galleria: L’alluvione

The Flood of 1966: Florence, Italy

(Alluvione di Firenze del 4 Novembre 1966)

Galleria: L’alluvione

“It was what Tuscans simply refer to as “l’alluvione,” or the flood, because most everyone here who is old enough remembers the morning [Nov. 4, 1966] when the Arno River spilled over its banks in Florence’s most devastating natural disaster of modern times.

“Water and sludge, fuel oil and debris, carcasses and cars were carried along by the floodwaters running up to 45 miles an hour through Florence’s historic center. The flooding killed 35 people and caused lasting damage to homes, buildings and treasured artworks. Some 6,000 businesses were ruined, and 70,000 citizens were left without electricity, gas or heating for days…”

– Pianigini, G. (2016, November 7). 50 Years After a Devastating Flood, Fears That Florence Remains Vulnerable. The New York Times.