by InTrieste
Friuli Venezia Giulia has declared a 15-day civil protection pre-alert across the region and allocated €500,000 for emergency response measures ahead of an approaching storm system expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding.
The decrees, signed Tuesday by regional Civil Protection Councilor Riccardo Riccardi in agreement with Gov. Massimiliano Fedriga, authorize extraordinary measures to address potential risks to public safety and infrastructure.
An Atlantic low-pressure system is expected to bring strong southerly winds and scirocco, a warm wind from the southeast. Forecasters have warned of intense to very heavy thunderstorms in mountainous areas, particularly the Carnic Prealps, as well as heavy rainfall across the plains and showers along the Adriatic coast.
Between Lignano and Grado, strong scirocco gusts could produce high waves and coastal flooding. Other potential hazards include landslides, overwhelmed urban drainage systems and disruptions to road traffic.
Rainfall is expected to taper off in eastern parts of the region on Thursday, Oct. 22, while the snow line is forecast to remain above 1,500 meters.
The measures allow regional technical staff to use emergency procurement procedures, including direct contracting for urgent works, supplies and services.
The €500,000 allocation will come from the regional civil protection fund through a budget transfer. Of that amount, €450,000 is earmarked for ground stabilization and initial infrastructure safety works. The remaining €50,000 will cover emergency supplies and services, overtime for personnel, and reimbursements to local authorities and private organizations involved in the response.
