After storm Hans hit northern Italy earlier in April, severe weather has continued to batter much of the country this week. Since Tuesday, the weather conditions have brought heavy showers and storms, and yellow and orange warnings have been issued.
With winds remaining relatively light this week, the main concern is the threat of heavy rain, as slow-moving, intense showers that can flood a relatively small area for a long time pose a significant risk. Authorities have warned people to avoid high-risk areas, such as roads with steep slopes, as there is a risk of flash floods and mudslides.
Residents have been asked not to use basements in the event of rain and to report any blocked drains in urban areas. Meanwhile, northern regions have been put on their highest alert for flooding after heavy rain increased ground saturation and raised water levels.
The worst storms have been along the Adriatic coast. Heavy showers in the Marche region on Wednesday dropped 10-20 mm of rain in several places in half an hour, while further south, in Abruzzo and Molise, hail the size of peas was reported.
Although the weekend may bring some relief, storms are expected early next week before drier and calmer weather arrives in early May.
**In Kenya**, rains on Monday and Tuesday have killed at least seven people in the city of Nairobi due to flash floods. Authorities say the death toll could rise as more victims are feared in low-lying areas.
At least 60,000 people have been affected by the floods, with more than 500 forced to flee their homes, many from Nairobi’s Mukuru slum.
Further west, in Narok County, two people died while trying to cross a flooded river, and eight cows were struck by lightning as they took shelter in a tree.
Kenya’s primary rainy season, the **masika**, lasts from mid-March to the end of May and is characterized by repeated, sustained rains and heavy downpours.
