Natural Hazards
Risk is the probability that a specific predictable natural event (i.e. a meteorological phenomena) under certain circumstances will negatively affect population and damage public and private infrastructure, essential services, productive activities, and inhabited areas. To evaluate these risks, specific alert zones have been defined— areas where natural events are expected to have similar impacts due to environment or human presence.
Regione Lombardia issues alerts on the following risks:
HYDRO-METEO risk
The scenarios consider the effects of the following natural hazards:
HYDROGEOLOGICALIntense and prolonged rainfall can cause landslides and rockfalls, carrying solid material (soil, debris, vegetation residues) downstream through stream beds.
HYDRAULICIntense or prolonged precipitation can trigger flood waves in rivers and streams, inundating surrounding areas.
THUNDERSTORMSLightning, strong wind gusts, hail, and sometimes tornadoes can strike small areas quickly and when intense and persistent, can increase hydrogeological and hydraulic risks.
STRONG WINDStrong sustained or gusty winds (such as the föhn) may reach significant intensity, damaging scaffolding, billboards, trees, causing traffic difficulties.
For further information
SNOW risk
Considers the negative effects of heavy snowfall and ice on daily population activities and disruption on public and private transport, essential services such as gas, electricity, water, telecommunications.
AVALANCHE risk
Assesses the destructive impact of avalanches in mountain areas. Ski resorts have their own safety rules, and high-altitude roads—usually closed in avalanche season—are not included.
FOREST FIRE risk
Covers the consequences of wildfires, caused by different factors, that can spread fast through forests, vegetation, and farmland, causing severe environmental damage.