Dozens of people were injured after a powerful tornado accompanied by hail struck the northern Italian city of Cremona, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
The storm damaged at least 10 churches, including Cremona’s main cathedral, according to Italy’s fire brigade, which received more than 500 emergency calls within a few hours of the incident.
Part of the cathedral’s tower was damaged when a spire fell, significantly altering the appearance of the city’s famous landmark. Several historic churches also suffered damage to windows and skylights.
Twelve families were forced to leave their homes after roofs were torn off or buildings were damaged by flying debris. Hundreds of trees were brought down, while numerous homes sustained roof damage.
The hailstorm and falling trees also damaged about 10,000 vehicles, while several barns were badly affected and low-lying roads were flooded.
Authorities said the overall cost of the destruction could run into millions of euros.
The storm struck while Cremona was hosting a local festival, damaging event pavilions and injuring several people, according to Francesca Co, the city’s emergency services director.
“Most (of the injured) have been discharged, one remains under observation, while four trauma patients require hospitalization,” she said. “We found ourselves managing the arrival of over forty people almost simultaneously, and the emergency system responded promptly.”
Tornadoes are uncommon in Italy, and the country’s civil protection agency said no specific watches or warnings had been issued ahead of the storm.
Emergency crews and civil defence officials returned to the city on Saturday to inspect damaged buildings. Several roads were closed as authorities assessed the destruction.
The forestry department also inspected the area’s famed “violin forests,” where trees used in Cremona’s renowned string instruments are grown.
The storm comes as Italy and other parts of Europe continue to experience extreme weather after a prolonged period of intense summer heat.
