In the late morning, panic struck San Foca, in the marina of Melendugno (Lecce), as a tornado hit the area. The vortex, originating from the sea, caused damage to gazebos, structures, and boats. The most affected area was the port, where a pedal boat was even thrown from the beach onto the road above. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
The tornado, which lasted only a few minutes, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris flying everywhere and people running for cover. The strong winds and heavy rain added to the chaos, making it difficult for people to seek shelter.
The most shocking image from the aftermath of the tornado was the pedal boat that was lifted from the beach and landed on the road above. It was a surreal sight, and many couldn’t believe their eyes. The owner of the pedal boat, who was not present at the time of the tornado, was shocked when he saw the damage to his boat. He never imagined that a tornado would hit the peaceful marina of San Foca.
The damage caused by the tornado was not limited to the port area. Several gazebos and structures along the beach were also destroyed. The strong winds and heavy rain also caused damage to some nearby buildings. However, the most significant damage was to the boats in the port. Some were overturned, while others were severely damaged.
The local authorities were quick to respond to the emergency, and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the area. They worked tirelessly to clear the debris and assess the damage. The mayor of Melendugno, Giuseppe Mellone, also visited the affected area to assess the situation and offer support to the residents and business owners.
Despite the chaos and destruction caused by the tornado, the community of San Foca came together to help each other. Residents and business owners worked together to clean up the debris and secure their properties. The solidarity and resilience of the community were truly remarkable.
The local authorities have also promised to provide assistance to those affected by the tornado. They have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to repair the damage and ensure the safety of the residents and tourists in the area. The mayor has also urged people to remain calm and follow the instructions of the authorities.
The incident has also sparked a debate on the effects of climate change and the need for better disaster preparedness in coastal areas. The sudden and unexpected nature of the tornado has raised concerns about the safety of the area and the need for preventive measures.
In the end, despite the moment of panic and destruction, the community of San Foca has shown resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of being prepared for any emergency. Let us hope that such incidents do not occur again, and the beautiful marina of San Foca can continue to be a peaceful and safe destination for tourists.