Friday, October 28, 2011

Disaster in Cinque Terre

(From TheTelegraph.co.uk)

Five people have been killed and another six are missing after storms and torrential rain caused extensive floods in northern Italy 

 

 The walking trails and picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre attract hundreds of thousands of international tourists, but two of them – Vernazza and Monterosso – were severely affected as rivers of mud poured down from the hills behind them.
The mayor of Monterosso said the fishing village had all but been wiped out saying, "Monterosso no longer exists."


Can you guys believe this? Have you been there? Do you have memories. Please share! I was just looking at my photos from when we there in 2008...

Rich Steves has more info here and a great wall to post your thoghts on.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was just there four weeks ago. We stayed in Vernazza for three nights and participated in the "thank goodness tourist season is over" festivities. As tourists. A good sense of humor had by all that night.

The people of Vernazza are wonderful and absolutely lovely to be around. This news is awful and makes me sick to my stomach. Especially for the many cherished village cats who may not have been able to seek refuge.

Seni said...

I stayed in Monterosso last year with a Rick Steves tour and I fell in love with the gracious people and the beautiful scenery no matter where you looked. I am so sad and devastated for these people. The kind heart, warm welcoming and generous people of Monterosso. Our tour guide had been there with a Rick Steves tour during the flood and I was happy to hear that the staff at the hotel and everyone was safe. I will continue to keep these special people in my thoughts and prayers.

mariel said...

So sad to hear about this. :( Such a beautiful place.

sandymwp said...

i am so distressed. we visited both of these villages a few years ago. prayers for the residents and hope that they recover as time goes on.