the nomad lab

Yesterday, the area known as Liguria in northern Italy was hit hard by torrential rain and mudslides. This area is home to one of my favorite places in the world, and an area very close to my heart: the Cinque Terre.

The Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”) is a collection of five colorful villages perched on the cliffs on the coast of Liguria. I don’t know a single person who’s visited the area that hasn’t been completely enchanted by the quaint little towns and the warm and friendly people. It’s been heartbreaking to see the photos and videos of mud and water flooding the narrow cobblestone roads in these towns, washing away cars and homes.

Mudslides down the hills have wiped out parts of the towns and the walking paths, causing the most destruction in Monterosso and Vernazza. According to an article in the Telegraph, the mayor of Monterosso said that “the fishing village had all but been wiped out.”

As far as I know, somewhere between 5 and 10 people have been killed by the disaster so far, many more injured, and many homes and roads destroyed.

There is a frightening video of the flooding here: Flooding in Monterosso

I’m so sad that such a beautiful and unique part of Italy has been ravaged by the storms, although I fully intend to go back and visit again soon. Tourism is such a big part of their economy now, and they’ll need lots of support to help them rebuild. 

I haven’t written about the Cinque Terre yet on this blog because I always wanted to spend more time doing it justice, but I’ve talked a little about my favorite moments visiting there in my interview with Wanderfly.

In case you haven’t been, this is what one of the towns (Manarola) of Cinque Terre looked like before. Totally gorgeous.

Info to donate and photos below:

This is the only info I’ve found to help so far - If anyone knows of another way to donate, let me know!

Italy’s leading newspaper Il Corriere della Sera and the news channel TG7 have set up an account for anyone wishing to help the flood victims of the Cinque Terre and other affected areas. Official site.

Account Details:

• Bank: Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, Viale Lina Cavalieri 236, Rome
• IBAN - IT 80 O 03069 05061 100000000567 (note that it is the letter O after the 80 and not a zero)
• BIC - BCITITMMXXX
• Important! Include this description of the payment:  ”Un aiuto subito. Alluvione Levante ligure e Lunigiana” (FYI - This means: “Immediate Aid: Floods in eastern Liguria and Lunigiana”)

(Photos from Mattia Tortellino, Huffington Post and Pietro Ligure)