The gusts of wind exceeded 120 km/h, while storm surges more than three meters high reshaped the coasts. The fury of time uproots trees, obliterates bathing establishments, takes everything away. Boats torn up who knows where dragged into the streets, walls torn down. Cyclone Ulrike confirmed the fragility of the territory, while the destructive force of atmospheric phenomena leaves a trail of devastation in its wake. While the damage caused by Cyclone Harry had not yet been assessed, a new wave hit the area. Fortunately, the release of the alerts meant that no victims or injuries were recorded, but Reggio and its hinterland are on their knees. Entire stretches of coastline have been swept away and for a territory that sees its hope of economic growth in tourism, these phenomena end up mortgaging entire seasons. The structures of the seafront beaches were almost uprooted by the wind and waves, even the cobblestones of the paving of the seaside promenade were carried away by the waves.

Photo by Attilio Morabito

More details on the paper and digital edition on newsstands tomorrow, Saturday 14 February