Over 100 People Injured by Hailstorm in Northern Italy

In the Italian region of Venice, a massive hailstorm wreaked havoc, causing a total of 110 people to be injured from the hail, falling trees, and shattered glass, as reported by the President of the region, Luca Zaia. The hailstones reached the size of tennis balls and inflicted significant damage to crops in the fields and orchards, according to Ansa.

"The number of people affected by the hail, falls, and broken glass has risen to 110. I want to once again thank the rescuers and technicians who intervened immediately after the events and are currently engaged in restoration work and damage assessment," said Luca Zaia.

He also added that he is in constant contact with rescue services, medical personnel, and volunteers who are assisting in the aftermath of the storm.

In the province of Mantua in the Lombardy region, a severe hailstorm was also reported, with eyewitnesses stating that the hail reached the size of lemons. It caused significant damage to parked cars, building roofs, tiles, and photovoltaic systems installed on rooftops, as well as crops in rural areas, particularly fruits still on the trees. Information on casualties has not been reported, but rescuers mentioned damage to vegetable crops and agricultural cultures, gardens, and vineyards.

Other regions in northeastern Italy are also experiencing the consequences of the extreme weather, causing substantial damage to crops, vineyards, farms, factories, houses, and cars. Preparations for planned fairs and cultural events have been suspended in several places.

It's worth noting that since the beginning of July, Italy and other Southern European countries have been facing an exceptional heatwave. Italian authorities declared an "exceptional" health risk in 16 cities, including Rome and Florence, over the weekend, as the heatwave engulfs the entire continent, threatening to reach unprecedented temperatures. This heatwave has been named "Cerberus," after the mythical three-headed creature from Dante's "Inferno."

Climatologists from the European Space Agency (ESA) warn that temperatures could reach 48 degrees Celsius (118.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as in the southeastern region of Apulia. This could potentially be the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe.