-During the night between November 2^nd and November 3^rd 2023 Tuscany, in Italy, was hit by a rainstorm without precedent. In less than four hours the storm produced around 200ml of rain, causing the rivers to silt up and consequently flooding that led to the deaths of 8 people. The intense storm system has been attributed to Storm Ciaran, originating days before in the west Atlantic Ocean.
Cambi Bisenzio, in the province of Florence was the municipality hardest hit by the flood. The cities of Prato and Pistoia, respectively in the municipalities of Seano, Montemurlo, Santa Lucia and Vaiano and other smaller municipalities, between the city of Pisa and Livorno, also suffered severe damage.
The heavy rains are partially a direct consequence of climate change that is showing its effects in all Europe. According to several climate scientists this event is attributable to the energy surplus of the unusual heat of the previous months. 
In fact, due to the prolonged warming of the seas, beyond the summer season, seas slowly released hot air that met with cold air systems, with consequent heavy rains.
Another crucial aspect is the removal of soil surfaces. Years of overbuilding and new construction have led to the sealing of these areas, so the rain that can’t filter through the soil remains on the surface and joins the rivers, already full of water.
Days after the flood, Tuscany declared a National State of Emergency, due to the environmental disaster causing around 2 billion euro of economic damage to the entire community.
The event of November 3^rd is just one of the many wakeup calls on how fast the climate is changing now. It’s a further call to take action to mitigate human activities in the areas in order to prevent further tragedies.