Vernazza: Pics of Progress!

  

 This afternoon, the remaining 150 inhabitants of Vernazza were calmly evacuated as a precautionary measure in the face of more bad weather for the weekend. An awful storm has been on course to hit the 5 Terre tonight and unleash 3 days of heavy rain and rough seas.
Everyone visualize or pray for clear blue skies over Liguria--it couldn't hurt!
These are some of the many sandbags put in place to protect the work that has been done. 

  

I also wanted to provide some of the amazing photos coming out of Vernazza after today's cleaning efforts. There was a lot to do...

But they just kept clearing out dirt by the truckload.
   

  

And many more businesses are finally seeing the light of day.

    

Here are some before and afters:
   

   
The dirt filled the ground below the train station all the way up the stairs.
     

Look how much they removed!
     

 This is the area by the little stone bridge. Notice the white awning behind the earth mover--it is the same one pictured below. Isn't that incredible?

Here is the hole in the mountain where the bridge was lost.

Now the path is clear for any further rains to quickly drain out to sea.

 

I also want to spotlight some of the amazing organization by Italian services like the fire department, the military and the Red Cross. The Civil Protection has been organizing all the volunteer groups, deliveries of necessary goods and sea transportation to and from La Spezia. These boats leave every morning, filled with necessary goods, food and helpers.

 

The Coast Guard and Police

   

Emergency first aid and medical personnel are on hand.

 

Many services, like food rations and information updates are provided in the piazza.

    

 

Meals are served in orderly turns, with emergency crews eating first, and everyone else after so they can get on with their work.

 

Debris is being sorted into salvageable and unsalvageable piles. This one is the unsalvageable pile.

The food stocks are staying supplied to feed hungry mouths and make sure there is plenty of water.

 These are six mini fridges set up, all stocked with supplies for sandwiches, pasta, salads, etc.
    

And even the Poste Italiane is set-up with a tent to make sure the residents have all the services they need, especially handing out the pension checks to the elderly.

 

Crews have been able to connect lines and power and bring back some normalcy. Seeing the train schedule screen back up is reassuring sight.
 

Italians can often get a bad wrap for being crazy and unorganized--I know I've said my fair share of complaints. But I am so impressed by so many organizations coming in and working together in sync to make a very speedy, cautious and efficient clean-up and rescue. Well done everyone!

So remember--positive thinking for clear skies!

Links:

For the original story of what happened, see: Disaster Strikes Vernazza

For information on how to donate, see: Donations to Save Vernazza
If you have travel plans to the 5 Terre, see: Notice to 5 Terre Travelers