By now many of you have already heard on the news or online about the devastating flood in Atrani last Thursday. It has been a somber four days on the Amalfi Coast as the little towns and villages work together to help Atrani begin to recover and to continue the search for Francesca Mansi, the 25 year old girl from Minori who was working at Atrani’s Bar Risacca when the sudden flood swept through the town’s piazza Thursday evening. Massive rains on Thursday caused the Dragone river, which runs from the Lattari Mountains down the valley between Scala and Ravello, to overflow in Atrani. The river runs under the main road of Atrani and out to the sea. During the storm the river broke through the road and caused a powerful flow of water and mud to fill the main road, washing cars, scooters and debris into the main piazza and to the beach. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the video footage filmed during the flood.
I was in Atrani Friday morning, as the town had the first glimpse in daylight of the extent of the damage. In the face of such tragedy, it has been difficult to know what to say here on Ciao Amalfi!. Perhaps there are no right words in such a situation. I have received many messages asking about the town and what has happened there from people who love Atrani and who have homes there, too. I think the pictures I took Friday morning speak for themselves about what the town of Atrani is going through.
(Click through to see the images larger and with captions.)
I will post updated information and photos over the coming weeks. You can find daily updates (in Italian only) on the events in Atrani on Positanonews.it. Please keep the people of Atrani, especially the family and friends of Francesca Mansi, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I was shocked by this. Positano news has the longer video as well which shows it gushing into the sea…such force. God has plans we don't understand – that only one person was down in that piazza was a miracle! Prayers for everyone there.
My gosh, how awful. I can hardly believe that only one person is missing. No one can define the force of nature and the devastation it can wrought. I will pray for these people and that the woman is found.
We are devastated here in Ireland and feel so helpless. We spent a wonderful 6 weeks in bella Atrani July/Aug, our 6/7th. year visiting and have wonderful friends living there. We await news of Francesca, a beautiful young friend whom I spoke to on Facebook messanger on Thursday about 1pm, a few short hours before the tragedy occured. Our hearts go out to her family and to the people of Atrani. We return, in solidarity, in October.
The pictures certainly do speak for themselves. I know we have already communicated about this tragedy, but I think you have dealt with it well here Laura.
Lisa, you're absolutely right that it is amazing only one person is missing. Seeing the video and the force of the water when it came down was absolutely terrifying!
Mary Ann, I agree … and it's scary to see the aftermath!
Una, I thought of you right away and knew how devastated you would be. I am glad you are coming back next month as I'm sure your friends here will appreciate your smiles and support.
Thank you, Linda. I was really struggling with what to write and how to say anything. In fact, I couldn't write anything for several days after being in Atrani the day after the flood.
Congratulations on making the italy tutto top ten this week 🙂
Although it was a sad subject to write about as I mentioned before you got it right.
Oh, I missed that Linda. Grazie!! 🙂
My friend and I took the bus along the Amalfi Coast on September 11th, right after the flood. Such a beautiful place! All my best to those in Atrani. – Erin, Denver, Colorado
Ciao Erin! Thanks so much for stopping by. It was so devastating to see Atrani right after the flood. All my best to the people of Atrani, too!
Hi Laura, Now that a few weeks have passed since the tragic events in Atrani, I wondered if it would be possible for you to show us some photos of how the town looks now and how the people have coped with what must have been a massive cleanup operation? Apart from the flood videos I can’t find any follow up news. I still find it shocking and almost unbelievable to watch those. I’m sure there are others who would like to be updated too. Thankyou.