The same area that got hit with a 5.9 last week got another one this morning, this one 5.8. The news is reporting that some train service around Bologna has been suspended and high speed train service from Bologna to Florence and Milan is going very slowly as a safety precaution. Death toll is currently at 10. EDIT: Italian train officials are reporting that all train service in northern Italy is suffering delays of up to 2 hours as they do their rail inspections. Plan accordingly if you're traveling in this area.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32393 posts
Rik, It's good to hear that you're OK. I imagine you were awake during this latest quake (as opposed to the last one). I just finished watching a number of reports on TG-24 and some of the damage is severe. It appears that the authorities responded quickly and have moved heavy equipment and many rescue workers into the area. Some of the news reports included aerial footage which appeared to have been obtained from a "remote aerial vehicle". They showed the vehicle on one of the reports, and it can best be described as an "upside down spider", with six or eight propellers and Cameras housed in the "body". It would be interesting to have a closer look at it. I imagine that rail travel will be back to normal shortly. It's understandable that authorities would want to practice "due diligence" to ensure that tracks haven't been affected. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone there.
Posted by
Hinesburg, VT, USA
33 posts
I feel terrible thinking about my upcoming trip, when people have died, and others have lost their homes, and their towns are damaged. And yet... of course I think it - "How will this affect my trip?" We'll be taking trains that pass through that region, but it looks like the towns we'll be visiting are OK - Venice, Castelrotto, Florence, 5Terre, Rome. But still... I feel guilty knowing that I'm worried about my once-in-a-lifetime trip, while others are worried about their lives.
Posted by
Latrobe, Tasmania, Australia
61 posts
Um that is a worry. We will be there in 6 weeks. Not so sure now :( Staying Venice..Lake Como..Milan but not travelling by train we are renting a car but still concerned. Thanx for posting
Posted by
Hinesburg, VT, USA
33 posts
Liz, I don't think there's any reason to cancel your trip. It seems like damage was concentrated in a few small towns near the epicenter. I haven't heard of any damage in the main tourist areas (areas you mentioned). If anyone hears otherwise, let me know - but we're assuming we're still a "go" for next week's departure, and that our plans will not need to change at all.
Posted by
Atlanta
1 posts
We are traveling to Italy next week and will be traveling via train from Venice to Florence. Should I be worried since this train likely goes through Bologna, sort of near the epicenter?
Posted by
Haywards Heath, Sussex, United Kingdom
2 posts
Also off to Italy next week, and touching on the affected area (Verona to Florence). The system recovered pretty quickly last time. Even 2-hour delays seems pretty good given the damage. Rail checks are the most likely reasons for delays. With that sorted, it shiould be back to "normal", which can be touch and go with Trenitalia.