4 November 1966: the day Florence went under

The Arno River flooded Florence on November 4, 1966, after unprecedented rainfall caused it to overflow. The city was caught off guard as many residents were asleep during the disaster. The floodwaters wreaked havoc, destroying homes, infrastructure, and priceless artworks. By the morning of November 5, the aftermath revealed a city covered in mud and debris, with significant cultural losses. The article emphasizes the need for structural measures to prevent future disasters rather than relying solely on volunteer efforts. It highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Tuscany to flooding and calls for a reevaluation of land management practices.