A violent storm suddenly struck Rome on Tuesday afternoon, dumping torrential rain on the Italian capital. During the storm, the Arch of Constantine, located near the Colosseum, was damaged by lightning, Agence France-Presse (AFP) learned on Wednesday, September 4, from local authorities.
“All fragments [de l’arc, tombés au sol] were recovered and secured”a spokeswoman for the Colosseum archaeological park told AFP. “The assessment of the damage has already begun and the analyses are continuing this morning”she added.
This triumphal arch was erected in honor of Constantine in 315 AD, to celebrate the emperor’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge against his rival, Maxentius. Standing 25 meters tall, it is undergoing maintenance work that began on Monday. It is the largest of three triumphal arches still preserved in Rome and located on the route of triumphal processions, near the Colosseum.
Read also the survey | Article reserved for our subscribers Extreme climate events: attribution studies, new models to raise public awareness
Add to your selections
After a hot and dry summer, Rome was hit by a sudden storm on Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by torrential rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning. More than 80 millimeters of rain per square meter fell on the historic center, roughly the amount of rain recorded on average in an autumn month, according to the municipality of Rome. Winds blowing at 90 kilometers per hour brought down trees.
Experts say climate change is altering weather balances and increasing the number of extreme weather events. “It is increasingly clear that the issue of climate change and its impact on our lives is now unavoidable.”commented the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.
Read also the interview | Article reserved for our subscribers Floods in Pas-de-Calais: “It is logical that rainy episodes are more frequent and intense”
Add to your selections
