Moniga Hailstorm Causes 14 Billion Euros in Damage, Crisis Response Underway

The day after hell, Moniga is still in shock. The massive hailstorm that struck about half an hour of violent hail, falling with incredible intensity around 7 p.m. on Thursday (measuring between 20 and 30 centimeters), has passed but not been forgotten. Damage assessment has begun.

Extensive damage, with initial estimates indicating at least 14 billion euros. Overall, however, the hailstorm of that afternoon caused serious problems and damage in all other municipalities of Valtenesi as well.

Most affected area and infrastructure damages

The most affected area runs from the Desenzano-Salo state road (near the Italmark shopping center) down to the port. The hailstorm, truly exceptional — second only to that of June ’98 — swept across the entire coast, especially impacting the lakeside area.

In the ten camping sites located within Moniga’s territory, the most significant issues have been recorded both for infrastructure (tents, caravans, bungalows) and parked vehicles. Around a thousand cars, camper vans, caravans, and boats have suffered serious damage.

Damage to crops and institutional response

Crops have also been affected: vineyards and olive groves in particular, but also maize and barley fields. The Municipality of Moniga promptly activated the Crisis Unit at the municipal police headquarters, coordinated by Deputy Mayor Enzo Dolci.

Four teams from Volontari del Garda immediately intervened, coordinated by Massimo De Casamassimi, head of the inter-municipal Civil Protection service, assisted by the municipal police.

Everyone worked to provide initial assistance, clear debris from the roads to facilitate circulation, and clean flooded cellars and basements from water and mud.

A request for the declaration of a state of natural disaster has already been submitted to the offices of the Prefecture of Brescia and the Civil Protection Department at the Region, which will be officially deliberated by the municipal council this morning.

Restoration and damage management

The municipality has also prepared specific forms for compensation claims for damages suffered, both to crops and infrastructure. Yesterday, damaged power and telephone lines were restored.