Mudslide in Borca: State of emergency declared in Belluno!

Mudslide in Borca: State of emergency declared in Belluno!

On June 16, 2025, a serious emergency occurred in Borca di Cadore, a municipality in the Veneto region, Italy. After heavy rain there was a devastating mudslide that damaged several buildings and made many roads impassable. Around 20 buildings suffered damage, some of it significant. Vehicles were swept away in the mudslides and numerous driveways were buried. Months of rain had made the slopes unstable, and a sudden 50 millimeters of rain within a few hours triggered the disaster.

Thanks to the rapid response of rescue workers, several people were temporarily trapped in their homes, but were rescued unharmed. There were no injuries, but firefighters were on continuous duty to clear the blockages and ensure the safety of the structural integrity of the affected buildings. There were also power outages and traffic disruptions, which further complicated the situation.

Emergency and measures

In response to the situation, the Veneto regional government, under President Luca Zaia, declared a state of emergency for the province of Belluno. The aim of this measure is to provide both financial and technical resources to help the affected population and support reconstruction. Zaia has already announced further safety measures to prevent future disasters.

The dangers of landslides in the Dolomites region are not new. Experts have been warning for years about increasing natural hazards that are being exacerbated by climatic changes. The landslide in Cancia is a particularly tragic example, as two people lost their lives in a similar event there in 2009.

Early warning systems as life savers?

The importance of early warning systems and protective structures is becoming increasingly clear in the context of such natural disasters. The UN report on early warning systems for natural disasters emphasizes that effective measures can not only prevent worse things from happening, but also save lives. However, in many cases, the report says, not all people can be warned in time and brought to safety. Therefore, the need for better protective measures and timely information in vulnerable regions such as the Dolomites region is crucial.

The incident shows once again how important preventative measures and comprehensive emergency planning are in order to minimize the risks to the population in such high-risk areas. While the immediate rescue efforts were successful, the question remains as to how sustainable the solutions can be for the future.

For further information on the events in Borca di Cadore, see also Vienna.at and [Rai News]. The discussion about effective early warning systems and the necessary protection in mountain regions is influenced by the current Spiegel article initiated.