‘It’s shameful and I won’t pay it’: flood-hit Italians rage against insurance call

The destruction in northern Italy has ignited debate in a country where just 6% of homes are insured against natural disaster.

[...]

But, a few weeks on from the flooding of 19 September, when the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna was struck by its third devastating storm in less than 18 months, the destruction of Traversara is clear. The hamlet, on the banks of the Lamone River about 40 minutes from the regional capital of Bologna, has been all but wiped out.

In its place has come a fraught but urgent debate about insurance coverage for losses from climate-related catastrophes, which until now has remained an unfamiliar concept for most Italians. Italy has become known by scientists as one of Europe’s climate risk hotspots and is beginning to reckon with the widespread implications of extreme weather to livelihoods and the economy

[...]

“The situation in Emilia-Romagna is very serious and we need to pay attention because it is clear that flooding is only going to become more frequent,” said Roberto Bozzi, president of Confindustria business association for the Romagna area. “At this point, it is obvious that we need to be investing in works that will limit the risk. We need a long-term vision and not just quick-fix solutions.”

[...]

In nearby Faenza, which was severely damaged by last year’s flooding, many businesses have closed. Davide, owner of a paint and hardware shop, said he will follow suit if there is another major deluge. “The whole shop was submerged [in the May 2023 flooding]. I paid to fix the damage myself and now they say I have to take out insurance, without them making the region more secure? It’s shameful and I won’t pay it.”