Leveraging one of the first weekend of summer sun (although we are already late July!) Finally managed to arrange a weekend of canyoning in northern Italy, bound for the Rio Ciorosolin in the heart of Friuli Dolomites. For the night we decided to approach the gorge, which is easily reached by following a ten km the road that winds along the valley week, just before entering the center of Claut. Here is its unspoiled nature and apart from the road (long stretches of dirt road) there are no visible signs of human presence. Camped along the banks of the river, while dinner is still more than surprised by an unexpected visitor: a fox anything but scared reaches us, trying to fix something to eat!
Incredibly this animal, which should be one of the most cunning of the woods, it acts almost like a domestic dog and even robs us of the bag of garbage!
However at the end of the night goes on without any other close encounters ... In the morning the sun welcomes us illuminating the rocky peaks beyond the forest
but there is something wrong with this pretty picture summer: the temperature is stellar, the thermometer indicates 8 degrees! We have some time to wait for the sun to warm the environment, so we have to prepare ourselves, change and take the path of rapprochement in costume despite the cold. Fortunately, the walk warms us and after an hour's walk to the river Ciorosolin. After hearing the roar insight into the distance, now we have confirmation: the water is quite abundant (at least 100 l / s) but certainly we do not lose for so little, so we know what to expect in the next 6 hours! In 5 minutes we are ready to begin.
The first stretch of the river is wide enough, so we walked forward among the rocks or with easy disarrampicate. The walls of the gorge are very steep and full of beautiful views.
The first let down on ropes are simple, but it is clear that in some cases the weapons are not good. Especially those made of rope should be replaced, perhaps with the classic and far more secure chains. The "highlight" of this gorge is now close and the adrenaline starts to be felt. We face a cascade of 42 m, to descend with a rope that passes about 20 m below the powerful jet of water. preparation to face the best this immense "gargoyle" is a bit long, and why you should prepare a cross, and because the great height (like a building with 14 floors) requires the use of both our strings: it is always clearly to the motto "safety first". Chicco prepares weapons and Roberto opened the descent
past several seconds before he could see it in the small lagoon at the bottom ... finally it's my turn now! As I fall I try to keep the piùpossibile balance, especially to keep me away from the jet roaring waterfall that flows into a few spans from me. 'S useless, while one foot down and gets into the water immediately feel the power of the jet that pushes me down hard, so I find myself under the waterfall with a vigorous massage that I hammered the helmet! In few seconds to an area more quiet, but overall it was a fun step.
Last but not least comes down Chicco, who after having brought down safely deserves a video:
From this point on, the walls shrink , creating the gorge rather dark and noisy, with some parts almost in darkness, the sun manages to get it on the bottom of the canyon. There are other more fell short in which the rope (and ourselves) ends up under the tap, but now we're used to and overcome these steps to ease ...
... and even in opposition!
As we advance we are increasingly satisfied with the location and number of steps tasty soon make us forget the lack of this gorge: there are not many points from which to jump, here is one of the few
I can only thank Chicco and Roberto for the nice day and especially for having trusted me and dropped some of the left arm!
final note: It is imperative to carry a bag of arming and some tape, because the weapons are not always equal to or even lacking (sometimes because of floods exceptional).
and valleys in the grip of the storm water and mud
Lavena Lavena Ponte Tresa Ponte Tresa on her knees, Laveno Mombello wound Mesenzana with sewerage systems collapsed, Voldomino Luino flooded. The storm, accompanied by violent hailstorms, moves to the Verbano and Valleys but Luinese the results do not change: road closures, mudslides, landslides, houses invaded by water and mud. And an assessment of the damage that is done every hour that passes much heavier. To pay the highest price was Lavena Ponte Tresa. First with a violent hailstorm that starting from 5.30 was unleashed on the lakeside town then with that storm, before 10:30 am, was able to pass on something like 130 mm of water. Result: less water network completely blown with the streams that cross Lavena straight out of its banks and in the lower floors of houses. At least fifty those flooded. To the point that the mayor Vittorio Ronocoroni Peter immediately called the "state of emergency natural disaster. " Three streams overflows including Pianazzo Nariano and that caused major problems in Via Marconi, Pianazzo, Prada and so on but also in Crocetta Campaign. Tresa also extensive damage in the long public library in the area with shops and public spaces invaded by mud and water. To work as teams of emergency, with the police that after reaching first the most critical, have alerted the mayor Peter Roncoroni who coordinated the group of Civil Protection and reinforced by other units arrived from Varese, and Venegono Casciago. Also crucial intervention of firefighters with volunteers who have helped the families of houses swept away by the torrent Pianazzo to emerge from the lower floors, completely flooded. In the scooping action even 8 in the day that they have secured the course of the rivers, overflowing between 6 and 9. With residents who have found water in the home and garden with hail. Lavena to contain only the 5 groups of Civil Defense have created a barrier using over 800 jute bags and sand. Also major problems on the roads: Closed for a few more risks to avoid landslides and the 61 provincial between Ponte Tresa and Cremenaga. Even the Tresa river rose and the part of the mountain along the road did go down debris that have alarmed the technicians of the Province, who have opted to close the road. Then blocked traffic for two hours even in the area of \u200b\u200bthe crossing for the road network Malcantone flooding that have paralyzed the flow of commuters. Critics all morning even the state 233, that is stalled for some after the village of Marchirolo. Problems in the morning also sp5, Val Veddasca, near where some of Graglio branches obstructed the movement of vehicles. Disruptions along the Sp-69 Laveno Castelveccana with the roadway invaded by mold. On the ground have worked the provincial police and firefighters, road workers and a bulldozer were released in three hours the road completely covered with debris. Extensive damage in the village of Cerro and gallery Laveno Sasso chicken for a landslide. With the cars and drivers were stranded in the water saved with inflatables. Also heavily affected Luino: Voldomino to the river overflows Maina is overwhelming the caravan of Luna Park in Via Della Roggia where firefighters have taken to secure any means. At least a dozen in the area, the houses that have found water on the lower floors. Dozens then interventions, even in Dante Avenue, plant falls or unsafe. Firefighters work to Brezzo Bedero where the plants have fallen in the Park Easter, Macclesfield and Mesenzana. Here to go haywire were the sewers. The country, the lowest connected to the network consortium, is in fact seen their water pipes blocked countries higher in homes with the result that has been poured out of everything. Throughout the day, then was declared a "special surveillance" even the bill in Porto Rio Maggiore. Critical situation also Arcisate: with the volunteers and the men of the local police who took to the river and the Park Riazzo Lagozza to fix jute bags and sand and strengthen the barriers. After the disasters of last Wednesday, the heavy rain yesterday morning, in fact, has triggered an immediate alarm.
HUGE DISASTER: FLOODED HOMES, ROADS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS
"The emergency seems gone, at least for now, but as of yesterday morning - said Peter Roncoroni, Mayor of Lavena Ponte Tresa - have been a tragic time. The storm has devastated us but we were able to get up and react, thanks to our civil defense, fire brigades and groups of volunteers that the Province has sent us. " Because water and mud have not looked at anyone. Leaving the streams of the village of Lavena, putting in homes, gardens, public buildings, as in the library or the municipal warehouse, shops. They have forced residents to flee. "Something really violent. With the fury of hail that has rocked our whole town and a quantity of water that is impossible to hold down immediately later - the first citizen confirmation -. This, however, there has taken away the strength to react: to rescue people in distress and to contain the fury of the streams. Certainly the account of the damage is heavy. " Several hundred thousand euro at least for the public library, warehouse, ramp slope of the fish. For many private homes. "We immediately applied for a state of emergency - ensure Roncoroni - and we are always in direct contact with the Prefecture and the volunteers, police and firefighters who have worked quickly." Same request submitted by Alberto Rossi, mayor of Mesenzana. "Our problem - clear - beyond the landslides which fortunately did not affect buildings or homes is related to the sewer. I completely skipped and not our fault. " The problem is as serious as simple country Mesenzana lower than the consortium system has now overrun the entire network. "We who have the separation between light and dark water - he adds - we pay for the delays of the other and our citizens will suffer the heaviest consequences." A Luino, where fallen trees and water have created discomfort Voldomino and structures of Luna Park, now worried about Tresa. If at the time the damage is limited to a dozen homes with the lower floors flooded weighs the risk flooding. "The water Tresa is swollen and full of debris - the mayor Gianercole Mentasti - and this worries us, and not a little. We're keeping an eye on constantly with the hope that the weather will grant a truce because it is now dangerously close to the limit of endurance of the levees. "
"WATER AND TERROR"
Before the hail which made her jump out of bed. Then the water to the ankles. It was a dramatic awakening to Kamann Concetta, 89 years today. His was the first house, in Pianazzo, to be overwhelmed by the fury of the stream come out of his bed. Thus, even for her as for others, police, civil protection and fire fighters have ordered the evacuation. "A huge roar - remember - with water on the floor and the sirens. They helped me out. " In his eyes anc now fear the danger over. "This is not the first time - he says - because even in 1995 we had to escape from the water. But yesterday was much worse. " Same situation as a Prada. A building, interior, preucazionalmente with ten families who were forced to flee their homes in the morning only to return after several hours. "When we woke up to hail - explain - that destroyed cars and trees on the ground floor we had several inches of water. " A river's case came in and devastated the local dragging away items and furniture. "And now - lavenesi explain - you just have to clean up. Empty the local water and start the counting of damages. " Heavy with at least fifty families with furniture pieces and installations severely compromised. If they are having a bad Voldomino also the people of the Amusement Park. "Model of a traveling show," as they call themselves, were awakened by the plain of Voldomino and trailers full of water. "A lot of fear - confirm - but the situation was then resolved in short order."
PORTO CERESIO 2.6 million in damages
pay a very high. From 2 million 600 thousand euro. This is the budget for the damage of the storm on Wednesday in the only town of Porto Maggiore. The town that Induno, with a claim amounting to € 2 million pays the highest price in Valceresio for the damage of bad weather. It could have been worse. Definitely worse. If only the pool of rolling over the river Rio Bill did not have cancer. Subjected to a "test" exceptional work in progress has done its part by saving not only the district but most of St. Peter Port Lugano. "Thank all'invaso emergency - clear the mayor Giorgio Ciancetta that Wednesday is continuously working on the critical locations with the Department of Civil Protection, Valter Court - something like one hundred thousand cubic meters of water has been contained and then released gradually. Quantities that have reduced the river flow by 50%, a value that was fundamental to stem the tide of flood ". Nevertheless, the damage to infrastructure has been remarkable. "But the country has been saved - Ciancetta confirmation - otherwise it would be a catastrophe." Also to be decisive interventions in the urban section of the drainage pipes that have managed to dispose of something like 50 cubic meters of water per second. Remains a concern in terms of road links, the situation of the provincial 61. Thursday morning after the night has gone against the structure to another procedure that has forced the bulldozers to demolish the most unsafe, were carried out static tests on the bridge of Rio bill yesterday and also the movement continued at a one-way alternately. Can not help it with the rest of the half-track bridge then collapsed and removed from the company that is doing work on the river in agreement with the municipality. Then the defense of the fundamental core mobile emergency response led by Paolo Cazzola the constant monitoring of the situation. Completely out of hand, the trunk of provincial, Sp 61 dir., connecting with the Plan Cuasso Porto Maggiore. The artery is closed until the opening, after the work of consolidation of the banks of the Bill, the stream that overflows in the past was at the ward at St Peter Port Lugano, it is literally crumbling under the weight of the water. Half-track has disappeared and the work must be must be rebuilt.
PORT CERESIO After the storm, the damage count. In Valceresio it's time to checks and controls along the wake of the storm that has literally devastated Induno Olona, \u200b\u200bValganna, Arcisate Bisuschio, Port Lugano. Five municipalities for which has already been recognized as a "state of emergency for natural disaster" and are now called upon to face the next step and draw up a long list of interventions can not be postponed for a return to normality that is as fast as possible. Paralyzed with productive sectors, machinery unusable homes severely damaged by water and mud that poured in no time to lose. For non-parallax of infrastructure such as roads and bridges, compromised, swallowed or even collapsed under the weight of the flood.
to worry about in terms of road links, is the situation of the provincial port 61 to Lugano. Yesterday morning after the night has gone against the structure to another procedure that has forced the bulldozers to demolish the most unsafe, the tests were carried out static on the bridge of Rio bill. And the results are anything but reassuring. "For now we decided to keep the alternating one-way and restrictions on driving heavy vehicles and buses - said the Councillor for Traffic Aldo Simeoni -. In case of heavy rains in the coming hours, the movement of all resources. In any case the situation is constantly monitored by technicians in my department. " But the impression is that the bridge, as it is, must be completely redone. The same fate in the street, the Sp 61 dir., Connecting with the Plan Cuasso Porto Maggiore. The artery is closed until the opening, after the work of consolidation the banks of the Bill, the stream that overflows in the past was at the ward at St Peter Port Lugano, it is literally crumbling under the weight of the water. Half-track has disappeared and the work must be must be rebuilt. For Induno and Arcisate, however, also yesterday pumps have worked tirelessly to free factories and homes, mostly basements and garages, water and mud. Olona in the district, in Bakar, as in off Bulger, passing by Porro, Foscarini, Monte Generoso, Heath, until via Ferrarin. Almost complete emptying of the covered parking Esselunga. Intense recovery operations also to Arcisate in via Cavour and Oberdan, hit the river dall'esondazione Riazzo. Also monitored Piamo Bisuschio and ways of Matteotti and Remembrance. Across dozens of homes flooded with hundreds of families struggling with destroyed cars and damaged the lower floors, including all plants. Damage to thousands of euro in the next few hours that will be possible to estimate. "First - do you know the mayors - is unfair to focus on restoring the functionality of houses and services." And to overcome the most critical phase has been critical teamwork: firemen, policemen, public service and especially the volunteers of civil protection. Men who even yesterday were at the forefront in the areas affected by the violent storm. The machine of relief, coordinated by the Prefecture in harmony with the body of Civil Defense, has worked well and effectively, thanks to the invaluable support of voluntary organizations. "I want to emphasize the operational effectiveness of our Civil Defense, which - also revealed that the Provincial Councillor for Security and Civil Protection Rienzo Azzi - demonstrated ability to coordinate with various levels of administrative and practical support where there was evident need. " The men involved have taken place in the buildings flooded and in particular have been made for removal of water in 50 facilities, including private homes and two schools and Arcisate Brenno.
DAMAGES FOR MILLION
Million Euros of damage. Between public and private property. In Valceresio has taken the race to claim. Yesterday Induno, for most of the day in City Hall has taken stock of the situation. Collecting and analyzing feedback from citizens on the streets to go to obtain the funds needed to restore. Streets and procedures which will be announced after the Government Decree on the "state of emergency" will be published. Also the fundamental work of municipal technicians because some situations are true emergencies, such as the safety of the plant at the Olona Carlsberg. "Surely we must act quickly - makes it clear the mayor indunese Maria Angela Bianchi - and we have already informed the Aipo, the Inter-Agency River Po, which has jurisdiction. Furthermore, the work at the caves developed for the World Cup held up, the problem is now covered in the stretch score: a situation that we reported with the Park of Campo dei Fiori. " Not to mention the damage to infrastructure and municipal buildings. "Something like 2 million euro - makes it clear the mayor -: the multipurpose center, schools, electrical installations to be redone, through roads and drainage systems." Also very heavy damage of private houses, shops, garage. For this reason the municipality is available for reporting and claims with at least one hundred families will be struggling with the procedures. Work is in full swing in town where the mayor to Arcisate Angelo Pierobon is personally committed to follow the recovery operation. "I must say that we managed to contain well Riazzo before invading the city center - Pierobon clear - and this is also reflected on capital city until minor compared to what happened to Induno. Initial estimates that almost two hundred thousand euro. Engaged in monitoring the situation even Silvano Pisani, the first citizen of Bisuschio. "The acceptance of a state of calamity is the first step - confirmation - the next will be to draw a precise assessment of the damage. Then we work to obtain it can to restore infrastructure and help the people affected. "
Induno Olona: THE BURIED WATER BREWERY PORETTA
"We are in a catastrophic situation with the nightmare that today one can repeat the disaster on Wednesday." They are a tragic time in these s unavoidably Carlsberg Italy, the glorious butter factory Poretti, Induno Olona. Because in addition to the account of the damage, which become more devastating every hour during the peak of production, the fear now is that for the rainy day announced. That's because yesterday we worked on two fronts: the workers, with the production firm, is dedicated to the restoration of the workplace, to remove the mud and water that have saved very few points of the historical establishment, the other to Olona River. "Clearly we had to take care - make clear by Carlsberg - the bed of the river that flows into the trench below the industrial complex. There, the fury of the water had to be dragged all branches of the stones that made the transition difficult. Now we have managed to free him but the situation at the entrance, thanks to the landslide that came off the height of Bregazzana, puts us at serious risk. " Because that is Valganna Olona in a situation that has long been under the eyes of administrators and managers of the establishment. "Unfortunately what happened was without doubt an exceptional event but - reaffirm the top of the company - we have to get used to these precipitation and act now. " Because now all haste is a very high risk. "Our notwithstanding - says Alberto Frausin, CEO of Carlsberg Italy - we must continue to deal with the sword of Damocles on a bed of the river is not clean, which could cause further damage of this type. Always treat this plant is our pride and also a daily commitment and fundamental, and recent investments are a direct proof. We are, however, to pay the sins of those who have made the same commitment to ensuring the safety of our environment. To make matters worse the storm on Wednesday changed the bed of the river Olona, \u200b\u200band if they are not made urgent priority and a weather event flow much lower than the risk of causing not only a new closure of our plant, but also other production nearby, which always play a important role in the area. We are in a state of extreme gravity and really trust in the institutions to find the necessary support. " Not to mention the damage, "Disaster," already suffered by Carlsberg. "So far we have not yet been able to quantify - stress - but the situation is very serious. The plant will remain closed at least until next Monday to dry and clean every single area in the coming hours and check for any damage to equipment and facilities caused by a quantity of water and mud. It is certain that at the height of the season to give us a terribly heavy. "
Inferno Valceresio in water. Homes, businesses and roads flooded by mud
Induno Olona The rain, as never was seen by these parties, and mud have crippled Varese and Valceresio. With Induno Olona literally prostrate under the weight of debris and soil mixed with water that has flooded homes, businesses and roads. There, as in Arcisate, Cuasso Mount Port Lugano and the fury of the storm was heard with all its destructive power that saved infrastructure and population centers. Drag car garage infiltrating and transforming them into real traps. With landslides in several places that have paralyzed the movement seriously putting at risk the entire road network from Port Lugano near Varese. Become a valley, between 7 and 9, a veritable swamp for those who, against his will, we happened inside. With extensive damage, yet to be calculated, which prompted the auditors to invoke the "state of natural disaster." A request also re-launched immediately by the President of the Lombardy Region, Roberto Formigoni. And promptly granted, thanks to the direct line to the Interior Minister Maroni Robero, the Council of Ministers yesterday morning and decided "the state of emergency."
Serving a stormwater, something like 155 mm of rain fell in two hours with unusual intensity. A flow, as normally there is a whole month of April rain, concentrated in just over 120 minutes. So pay the price they were originally the waterways, rivers Olona and more like all the streams of water network valceresini less literally jumped in the water weight. Then it was the collapse in the drainage system.
For Induno, Olona is thus the height of the dam overflows Bregazzana, creeping first in the establishment of Carlsberg, ravaged by storms, and finally arriving to flow out of his bed, wide Bulger. There has literally pulled the car parked in the area of \u200b\u200bLindt covering them with mud and debris. From the mountain monarch, however, hundreds of cubic meters of soil and rain fell in the valley. Casen invading gardens and basements and down the side streets to the heart of Induno Olona. Within a few minutes the center of the town of Valceresio has turned into a battlefield. With the water has dug craters on a real Porro and inches of mud that were deposited on the route that cuts through the center of Induno Olona. Huge risk taking by ambulance trapped water and mud, carrying a wounded man. Only emergency relief, in fact, has avoided the worst. The same fate in the streets San Giorgio, Milan, Foscarini and Tobacco and the area to the station. Disaster and also via Monte Generoso Brugherio with eighty families struggling with five feet of water invaded the courtyards, garages and floor of a house. With the car buried by water and mud. A framework identical to that of experienced all'Esselunga Induno Olona: here the basement of the stand has been completely occupied by water that has trapped with no escape in the car. And just for the lucky owners are able to abandon them in time.
Chaos in Valganna where a landslide 6 cubic meters of earth engulfed the street at the fishing lake and another paralyzed in the situation at the caves. Discomfort resolved later in the afternoon. Paralysis, until mid-morning, also in the rotunda of the Broglio where a truck got stuck and was removed through the intervention of the police.
Arcisate in check even with traffic blocked the main road until 34 while 4 were heavy consequences of the stream dell'esondazione Riazzo. Flooded homes and basements in via Cavour and Via Oberdan with several companies invaded debris and mud. Moments of terror to a landslide on the railway line between Arcisate and Induno Olona. To give up a wall of the ballast and only the reflection of the train drivers in transit have been able to avoid the worst. In Porto do Rio bill was the fear that has engulfed the roadway "Sp 61 dir" just rebuilt and ready to be opened and undermined the stability of the bridge on the SP 61 in the direction of Ponte Tresa. Heavy damage also counts in the Monte Cuasso with dozens of flooded homes, especially in the area of \u200b\u200bMadonna in Campagna, and problems at the hospital where lightning has knocked the phones. An overall picture of devastation has also pushed Roberto Reggi, mayor of Piacenza and responsible Anci for civil protection to "express the closeness of all the Italian municipalities to the realities of the Varese area affected by the storms."
A RIVER OF MUD TO PORETTA
When Olona Bregazzana passed the dam in the establishment of Carlsberg, the glorious Induno Poretti brewery, it was a hell of water. Immediately, at about 7 am, so the fire alarm. "We immediately turned off power - they know the leaders of the butter factory - and blocked the production process. But this exceptional event has caused the water overflow, flooding much of the production area. " The entire establishment has been so flooded with water and mud that hit a meter high. "The situation - says Alberto Frausin, CEO of Carlsberg Italy - is catastrophic. The plant will remain closed at least until Monday in order to dry and clean each area. Will then also need to check any damage to equipment and facilities. Always care is our pride and also a daily commitment and fundamental, and recent investments are a direct proof. But now we are paying the sins of those who have made the same commitment to ensuring the safety of our environment. " Alert so extended to the whole bed of the river Olona. "The storm has changed, and - continues Frausin - if they are not even made an emergency weather event flow much lower than that of yesterday is likely to cause not only a new closure to our factory but also other production nearby. We are in a state of extreme gravity and really trust in the institutions to find the necessary support because we are in the height of the season and for us this is a terribly heavy damage. "
FLOODED ARCIS
The bad weather gets in the way, on the tracks, dell'Arcisate - Stabio. Accomplice to the authentic from 7 to 9 storm that made landfall on Valceresio, involving several businesses and homes flooded by water, it was inevitable postponement of the decision taken by the municipal administration headed by Mayor Angelo Pierobon. "We could not do otherwise - makes it clear the mayor - given the problems that have registered with dozens of flooded homes, especially in the lower floors and in basements, and many factories blocked by water. Our priority logistics could not go to them and they did. " Therefore postponed until next July 24 to celebrate the start of work for cross-border rail link between Malpensa and Lugano, via Arcisate and Varese. Meanwhile began counting the damage. To be precisely the flooded area of \u200b\u200bthe Bull, where he was supposed to hold the ceremony. Underwater park also Lagozza, and several houses in the area in industrial and Via Cavour. "To say we were unlucky is little - said the Mayor Angelo Pierobon - but priority went to work in our population and production plants. The rest would be impossible to meet the emergencies and bad weather at the same time ensuring the smooth running of the event. " But not only. Because the budget of the storm to Arcisate also covers the area of \u200b\u200bthe stream Riazzo, which overflows after being flooded areas surrounding, and so Oberdan. Also serious disruption to traffic with the State stopped until 9 and 334 craters appeared patchy on the main. Moments of panic on the railway line also paralyzed throughout the day due to a landslide of the ballast. The incoming train, fortunately stopped in time, then got stuck for several hours.
FRANAR ROADS AND BRIDGES IN PORTO
Terror and damage on the banks of the Rio bill. The river, which in the past had brought damage and destruction in Puerto Lugano, also yesterday morning has done his part. An accomplice unprecedented storm spilled on Valceresio from 7 to 9 in the morning the river has unleashed all its fury. Before swallowing the new track, yet to inaugurate the "Sp 61 dir.." A road just redone antiesondazione precisely to allow the reinforcement of the levees. So if the river, despite the attempt to drag a downstream retaining wall has been harnessed, to pay the heavy duty is the new road. Literally crumbled under the force of the water that made it collapse into the waterway. So heavy damage to a building site which for years has struggled to find peace. Even the delicate situation on the bridge at the mouth of the SP 61 Rio bill. The bad weather in the first hours of the morning caused damage and disruption caused a subsidence of about 10 cm. On-site technicians are immediately attended by the Province of Varese that evaluated the opportunity to immediately impose a one-way altered. E 'was also temporarily banned the movement of trucks and buses. At work even men to the provincial road network that are constantly monitoring the situation. Situation is complicated even further in terms of connections with Cuasso Ponte Tresa and the two arteries, one about to be reopened, the other utilizzatissima now knocked out. "We are monitoring the situation closely - it is clear the mayor of Port Lugano, Giorgio Ciancetta, is the president of the mountain community of Valceresio, Ivan Andreoletti - and we have already alerted the province, responsible for both directions. " Problems in the country in garages, basements and lower floors of homes and has held a series of levees on the Rio Bill, with the San Pietro district that has undergone only minimal to the fury of the rains. "The question of the bridge - but claims Andreoletti - it is really worrying. We only hope that this intervention by the Province falls in the state of emergency. " Blocked, however, throughout the day the railway line with links to Varese replacement by bus in the direction of Varese.
Freight trains: 1.9 million tons of risk on the Bellinzona - Luino
LUINO The wagons are at home on the Bellinzona - Luino - Gallarate. Emerge from the tunnel and the Gotthard pass through the station Bellinzona. Then the dangerous goods are divided. Six hundred thousand tons every year start off on the ramp of the Ashes, on the bridge to bypass the Ceresio Melide and stop at Chiasso. The remaining 1.9 million tonnes, instead, go straight away. Along this single track, passing through the Gambarogno reaches the border of Ranzo. From there pass through Pine, Colmegna, up to and then off to Luino Laveno Mombello and Gallarate. To direct transhipment hubs where goods are loaded on trucks. From north to south. And vice versa. Several times per day. For three hundred sixty-five days a year. At least five loads every twenty-four hours to 1.9 million tonnes of potentially at risk each year. All of passage in the heart of Luino, Laveno Mombello and Castelveccana. This is a map of the risk on the banks of the Verbano. Convoys are very similar, at least in appearance, to what the other has caused the tragic accident in Viareggio. "But much more secure" stand by SBB, the Swiss Federal Railways which have jurisdiction on the way up to Luino. Where in addition to LPG tanks, sulfuric acid, propylene, liquid sulfur and then the tanks of benzene, toluene, ammonia, chlorine, those of ammunition, there are all the other convoys "normal." Snakes that reach up to one mile and, at an average rate of 75 per day, crowding a line that has remained essentially the same since 1882 and carries on his shoulders the weight of its 127 years of history. To improve the countermeasures are. "On most of the convoys - ensure SBB - derailment detectors are installed and their structure is reinforced to prevent losses in case of accidents." The question, then, are positioned detectors able to stop those trains whose carriages have overheated axles. The reference for the Bellinzona - Ticino Luino is always Cadenazzo. Ensure that no train with the brakes or hot-axis can pass over. In any case, along the Bellinzona - Luino have passed, until the past few hours, the carriages in Austria and Germany GATX, now blocked by order of RFI, which share the market with the Swiss Vascos, German and French Vtg Ermewa. And there remains open the question of the emergency phase. With the risk that comes among countries, a few meters from the houses, on a path designed 127 years ago, and in tunnels dug by hand and without exits for traits that could in some cases even close to selling four kilometers. "There are tunnels that are almost impossible to reach rescue vehicles - Heracles Ielmini explains, Mayor of Laveno - such as exit between the tunnel and Laveno Castelveccana. Only after three meetings, before the Prefect, the Railways are the first documents arrived. " And the homes that line the tracks, built mostly when traffic was much lower, and now living together is becoming quite difficult. "We do not want to be unprepared for the emergency - show the mayors of Laveno Castelveccana and Luino - or even passively any high-risk situations."
MAP OF RISK
"The only tr wine is one hundred percent sure that does not travel." Words that come directly Swiss Federal Office of Transport, and that alone make the goddess of reality. Because after the catastrophe of Viareggio also along the tracks of Bellinzona - Luino there are questions on the safety of convoys and the potential risks for the population. And there are fears. Trafficking, run by the Swiss Federal Railways and Rfi, with with SBB Cargo and SBB Cargo as the main carriers, freight transport has his true vocation. With remarkable that speak volumes of 75 freight trains per day from 1600 tons c t research to generate controversy over the noise of trains, their speed of transit countries and the vibrations that cause damage to homes bordering on the line. One is that through the settlements, with trains arriving at even a mile in length and travel corridor, a single track in the stretch that skirts the Lake Maggiore, close to the houses through the center of towns and cities. Circumstance has forced the very beginning of the year, Italian mayors to call for an urgent confrontation with the operators of trans port to bring their goods to the topical issue of safety. Moreover, even in recent years, there have been incidents that have seen the players train in transit. Already November 23, 2006, in fact, Luino had lived for the emergency release of flammable liquid - acetate ethylene - the tank of a freight train stopped on the tracks. On 30 October 2007, however, the danger was over to Bellinzona, where another tank on a convoy to Luino to Gallarate and then lost stabilized ethylene, a substance used to produce plastics. Very high risk, fortunately averted, even at 31 October 2008 Laveno Mombello: a fire developed on a freight train carrying toxic chemicals. Train set length of 500 meters, there was a problem with the locomotive. The train was a commitment from the tunnel between Laveno Mombello Castelveccana and at 5.30 am, when staff noticed smoke in the cabin. At that point the two train drivers were arrested on then run along about 600 meters inside the tunnel. And in case of explosion relief would be extremely difficult. The last in order of time took place in San Nazzaro, in Canton Ticino, November 5 last year. When a landslide caused the derailment of a train consisting of two traction units and 23 goods wagons. Dangers content from emergency services, in all cases, but close enough to trigger controversy on substances that are transported in tanks in transit on this line, in some areas, a few meters from homes. All in a complex network of diversified managers: those trafficking, rolling stock, locomotives and freight trains.
IS LIKELY FIVE TIMES A DAY
Five trains with dangerous goods per day. This is because it is clear from the empirical data on railways is Bellinzona - Luino. One statistic that refers to 2008. The figures show the last season, in fact, that dangerous goods transported by train, representing 7% of all those who travel by rail: three million train-km (unit of measure that multiplies the number of trains for the distance traveled by each train) from a total of 50 million. That is to say, of the 700 freight trains every day in Italy, 35 carrying hazardous substances. Of these the most numerous are those with a cargo of LPG: 10-12 in the winter season, 6-7 in the summer. Italy go through from west to east and from north to south using, and then as director also Bellinzona - Luino. Broadly in line, in fact, even on this guideline, the percentage of loads "at risk". That translated to 75 trains daily average equates to 5 loads per day could be hazardous. Among them, the more substance transported rail is just the GPL. Among the most dangerous is then sulfuric acid, and to follow the propylene, liquid sulfur and then there are the tanks of benzene, toluene, ammonia, chlorine. It is for the client company establish a sort of identity card of the transported material. A document delivered to the company making the transport carriages. Cars registered in the country of origin and there subjected to periodic reviews. In turn, these companies give the documents to load and reliability of the materials to the railway companies of the countries that have to cross and in the case of Bellinzona Luino is mainly the SBB Cargo. What emerges, supported also by Swiss Federal Office of Transport communications is that it "must ensure that the cars are safe are the private transport companies, after market liberalization have increased visibly." Inspections also occur later in marshalling yards at the border. If a car has problems that can not be resolved immediately, the train is released and not in the race. In these tests, then you add the sample made by the Federal Office of Transport also concern that the convoys traveling over the international line Bellinzona - Luino. According to a report in 2008, last year in Switzerland, have been checked cars 3'838, 261 of whom had defects of which 52 related to the transport of dangerous goods.
SAFETY AND QUALITY
"Unfortunately, the tragedy has shaken our conscience Viareggio. But it is important first to clarify everything for the transport of dangerous goods by rail is far safer. " So Marco Terranova, director of SBB Cargo Italy, enterprise adoption of direct rail cargo sector of the Swiss Railway and by far the most frequent visitor of Bellinzona - Luino.
Since the liberalization of transport there is the question of responsibility and skills. Not always easy to clarify. "It is not because the contractual situation between the different actors are more mixed. The fixed point is that access to the railway company that competes registering drive and makes it responsible. Then there are carts that can be owned by the company, or leased by the intermodal operators. Finally, the content delivered is not the responsibility of the railway but defined by the loading documents and materials reliability. Then in the event of an accident no one ever wants to assume sole responsibility, however, that there is hardly ever: there are usually several contributing factors in play. " We go into detail of SBB Cargo. "We conduct our service with locomotives or those rented from parent SBB Cargo. This is the latest material, tested in our workshops in Switzerland, of the highest quality. Even our cars are for the most part. Others are of intermodal operators are hired and when necessary. " E 'can then be passed to Luino that even the German-Austrian special wagons GATX? "Let's say I have no certainty but it is certainly possible. First, because operators are few, especially in specialized areas such as tanks. And then also on the Bellinzona - Luino we are not the only company active. There are others. " As for security measures? "There are two types: those that monitor installed upon the temperature level of the bushes: they are the portals that occur when high temperatures indicate a malfunction. Others are on the carts and devices are the derailment. Then the constant maintenance that we practice is another important factor. " weighs the morphology of trafficking. Narrow, with long stretches in the gallery. "Unfortunately this is the territory. We can not pave the mountains and can not enter into the lake. This does not mean that safety standards are very high. Also because having a Swiss system behind a guarantee of quality care established. "
STOP THE TANK GATX
have circulated for years. Going back and forth the Bellinzona - Luino - Gallarate. But now the GATX tank cars involved in the train crash in Viareggio, stop driving on the route. The willingness of the main railway company operating the line has in fact been clear. "SBB Cargo Italy - confirms CEO Marco Terranova - decided to discontinue the use of tank wagons of GATX until further notice." An announcement, the railway company to transport goods and the Italian subsidiary of Swiss Federal Railways, arrived in the past. "The measure, on a purely precautionary - clarifies Newfoundland - was taken after the accident last June 29 in Viareggio, and will be maintained until they are provided by the ongoing investigation and clarification by the same company GATX the events that led to the tragedy of the Tuscan city train. " The safety of convoys and the locations traversed by Bellinzona - Luino therefore comes first. A mission endorsed by SBB Cargo, a subsidiary of Swiss Federal Railways (FFS) that deals with rail freight. The company, which operates in Switzerland, and links the economic areas in Germany and northern Italy, serving an average of 4000 customers who carry their goods, metals, foodstuffs, mineral oils, chemicals, explosives, wood, paper, mail, packages and food. A system that employs 4400 employees, and that made possible the development of transport services in 2007 for a total of 13.37 billion kilometers net and now has no more use of the tank cars GATX whose car was the star of 'explosion of Viareggio. After the stop of Sbb Fs also puts it this way to call the company, the second group in Europe in the hire of wagons. The GATX Rail Europe deals, in fact, 22% of market. In short, a market leader with over a thousand customers worldwide. The preventive measure was made necessary by the company to ensure safety within the entire supply chain, both to protect the assets of its business, was to reassure those who live near or next to the railway infrastructure network. "Security has always been an essential element for SBB Cargo in the course of daily work. This preventive measure - further highlights Marco Terranova - is thus consistent with a major process of care and attention to detail that our company has always dedicated to the carriage of dangerous goods. " Goods that are on the route home: with a well carried 1.9 million tons of freight a year by the carriers.
