Storms Hit Massa-Carrara: Landslides, Closed Roads, Three People Saved
Listen to the story
Severe storms have hit the Massa-Carrara area in Tuscany, Italy, causing serious damage.
The bad weather caused several landslides, which happen when heavy rain makes earth and rocks slide down a hillside.
Provincial road Sp21, located above the town of Bagnone, collapsed because of the storm.
As a result, some small villages near Bagnone have become isolated, meaning residents cannot easily reach or leave them.
Rescuers managed to save three people who were affected by the extreme weather.
One survivor described the frightening moment, saying, "I had time to lower my head," suggesting a narrow escape from danger.
In another incident, a car was crushed by a large tree branch during the storm.
The driver spoke about the terrifying experience, saying she feared the worst for her small dog, who was with her in the car.
Many roads across the region have been closed because of the storm damage.
Local authorities are working to assess the situation and reopen roads where possible.
This event is part of a wider pattern of extreme weather affecting Tuscany, a region in central Italy known for its hills and countryside.
Vocabulary7 words
- landslide
- a sudden fall of earth and rocks down a hill
- isolated
- cut off; not easy to reach from outside
- rescuer
- a person who saves someone from danger
- collapse
- to fall down or break suddenly
- provincial road
- a road managed by a local area, smaller than a national highway
- Tuscany
- a region in central Italy with hills and small towns
- extreme weather
- very strong or unusual weather that can cause damage
Quiz
Answer key
1. A collapsed road from a landslide 2. It was crushed by a falling tree branch 3. Three
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Severe storms have hit the Massa-Carrara area in _____, Italy.
The bad weather caused several _____, which happen when rain makes earth slide down a hill.
Provincial road Sp21, located above the town of _____, collapsed.
Some small villages near Bagnone have become _____.
_____ managed to save three people.
One survivor said, "I had time to lower my _____."
A car was crushed by a large tree _____.
The driver feared the worst for her small _____.
Many _____ across the region have been closed.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever experienced a severe storm? What happened?
- Why do landslides often happen during heavy rain?
- How do you think local authorities should help isolated villages after a storm?
- What safety measures should drivers take during extreme weather?