Conditions in Monterosso and Vernazza

"Of the five towns of the Cinque Terre, the two most popular for tourists -- Vernazza and Monterosso -- were hit hard. After a winter of renovation, Monterosso will be back to normal by spring 2012. Vernazza will also welcome visitors in spring, but many businesses there will take longer to rebuild. You'll find up-to-date details -- and ways you can help -- at http://www.ricksteves.com/news/cinque-terre/cinque-terre-disaster.htm. " http://www.ricksteves.com/tms/article.cfm?id=309&extras=false

Hello, just thought I would mention that you might want to check Rick Steves Blog. He has just posted part 3 of a 3 part blog on Cinque Terre. He has just visited the area and might have some answers to your inquiries in that forum.
Good Luck

Pietro, Both Monterosso and Vernazza have made an incredible recovery, and they're "open for business" and anxious to welcome visitors back. Of the two, Vernazza was damaged to a far greater extent so it's not completely back to normal yet, but work is ongoing. As a result of an incredible effort by local residents, the "old town" section of Monterosso is almost back to normal (the "new town" section mostly escaped damage from the flood). The majority of businesses have re-opened and they're ready for visitors! NO, they're not "cut-off". The local trains are running normally, and stopping at each of the five towns. The trails from Monterosso to Vernazza and Riomaggiore to Manarola are both open as usual, and hopefully the other two will be open in the near future (but I haven't seen a "timeline"). I'll also be there in the fall, and quite looking forward to a return visit to that area. Happy travels!

Pietro, My wife and I just returned from Rick Steves' "Heart of Italy" tour...even met Rick and he had dinner with our group in Monterosso at Hotel Pasquale on April 24. Like Ken wrote the clean up is coming along. More so in the "old town" section of Monterosso with just a few side alleys blocked off by fences. Way before fall the little rebuilding I noticed in Monterosso should be complete. It was my first visit to Vernazza, so I was not sure what to expected but was with our tour guide who had been there numerous times. She cried as we approached the beach area that is now mud filled from the run off. A couple crumpled cars replaced what would normally have been sunbathers. A bulldozer was busy hauling the mud away. Some restaurants were open near the "beach". Even more restaurants & hotels should be open in the next few months. So expect an almost full recovery by fall. Most trails were open too while we were there.
Enjoy your trip !

Elsewhere on this RS web site is a Guide Book update for CT that I just saw for the first time today (5/4) Be sure to take it with you if you are headed for CT.

It is just not possible (from an engineering viewpoint) to rebuild Vernazza completely by Fall 2012. No way of doing that. Monterosso OTOH was less affected and is almost back-to-normal. I'd skip Vernazza and visit the other town until Summer 2013 at the earliest.

Pietro, While Vernazza won't be completely back to normal by the late fall, I'd recommend visiting the village anyway. I'll be back in the area in September, and fully intend to spend some time in Vernazza. The residents are working hard to repair and rebuild, and it would be a shame if people stayed away until everything is "perfect". They need support from tourists, and that's why I'll be making a point to stop there. Cheers!