Lake Garda’s Flooding Woes: A Comprehensive Overview
Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, has been facing the brunt of severe weather events, leading to significant flooding in several areas around the lake. On July 31, 2024, a major weather event hit the region, causing the Ganfo canal to overflow and submerge the entire Ghedina street in Lugana, as well as flooding numerous garages. The Basso Garda Civil Protection volunteers worked tirelessly to contain the overflow and limit the damage, but the inconvenience for residents was substantial. Desenzano also experienced significant problems due to flooding in underpasses, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements to address this issue.
Water Level Fluctuations in Lake Garda
As of May 2023, Lake Garda’s water level is 80 cm above its zero level, which is set at 64.027 meters above sea level. The normal water level typically ranges between 80 and 100 cm above the zero level during the winter months, but it can drop to as low as 10 cm above the zero level in the summer. The water level zero point is an arbitrarily determined benchmark used for regulating the lake’s water level, which is managed by the competent consortium.
Lake Garda’s Regulated Water Level
Lake Garda is a regulated lake, with its water level controlled by dams for various purposes, such as irrigation, industry, and flood management. The consortium responsible for managing the lake has set a minimum regulation value, which corresponds to the lowest permitted water level, and a maximum regulation value, which represents the highest permitted water level within the regulatory framework.
Extreme Weather Events and their Impact on Lake Garda
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Unusually dry weather has become increasingly common, with snow cover now at 75 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average. The Alpine lakes in the province, which typically store an average of 100 million litres of water, are currently barely reaching 42 million litres.
| Extreme Weather Event | Impact on Lake Garda |
|---|---|
| Heavy Rainfall | Overflowing of the Ganfo canal, leading to flooding in Lugana and Desenzano |
| Drought | Decrease in snow cover and reduction in water storage in Alpine lakes |
These extreme weather events have had a significant impact on Lake Garda, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of this important natural resource.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lake Garda has been affected by flooding due to severe weather events, with the most recent incident occurring on July 31, 2024. While the lake’s water level is currently 80 cm above its zero level, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are predicted to increase in the coming years, leading to more frequent flooding and drought-related challenges. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive approach, including infrastructure improvements, water management strategies, and adaptation measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on this iconic Italian lake.
References:
– GardaNotes: Bad Weather on Lake Garda: Flooding in Lugana and Desenzano
– Garda Trentino: Live Travel Information
– Euronews: “Deep wounds”: Lake Garda just over a third full as Italy braces for second year of drought