The mayor of Messina, Federico Basile, has issued a new ordinance extending the closure of all municipal villas and city cemeteries until midnight today, Saturday 14 February. The decision, as explained in a note, was «made necessary following the adverse weather events that affected the municipal area, characterized by strong gusts of wind that caused the fall of several tall trees and branches within the public green areas and cemeteries».
The extension will allow the teams in charge to complete the removal operations of the fallen material and to carry out an accurate check of the state of stability of the trees present, in order to eliminate any potential risk situation and guarantee full protection of public safety. The municipal administration invites citizens to show maximum collaboration and understanding, ensuring that the reopening of the affected areas will take place as soon as conditions of total safety are restored.
Interventions by the firefighters, the point of the situation
The Fire Brigade also provided an update. The teams are working tirelessly throughout the province of Messina to restore safety conditions, proceeding with the delimitation of the affected areas and the removal of unstable parts. In the last 24 hours, a total of 198 interventions were carried out, while there are still 210 requests waiting to be carried out.
To guarantee greater support to the population, the Command has arranged for an increase in staff, with the doubling of shifts and staff employed. Further updates are expected in the coming hours.