Two dead, widespread damage reported after heavy rainfall hits Brazzano di Cormons, Italy

Severe flooding and a destructive landslide affected parts of northern Italy on November 17, following an episode of extreme overnight rainfall across Friuli Venezia Giulia. The municipality of Brazzano di Cormons, in the province of Gorizia, suffered the most severe damage after a landslide struck three residential buildings, killing two people and injuring one.

Reports from local authorities and media indicate that some areas near the landslide zone recorded rainfall accumulations of up to 300 mm (11.8 inches), while regional monitoring stations recorded 152 mm (6 inches) in 6 hours between Palmanova and Gorizia.

An 83-year-old resident, Guerrina Skocaj, was found deceased beneath landslide debris, while a 32-year-old German citizen, Quirin Kuhnert, died while attempting to assist her. A third person was rescued alive with a leg fracture.

The Torre River overflowed at Versa, in the municipality of Romans d’Isonzo, forcing residents to take refuge on rooftops as water levels rose rapidly. Emergency services carried out evacuations and monitored river levels across parts of the Gorizia and Udine provinces.

Coldiretti’s initial assessment indicates that more than 1 000 ha (2 471 acres) of cropland were flooded in the Gorizia area, affecting cereals and vegetables and leaving many fields covered in sediment.

The national Civil Protection bulletin maintained “allerta gialla” (ordinary criticality) for hydrological risk in several northern regions on November 18, while local assessments in specific sub-basins indicated more elevated risk levels. The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government declared a regional state of emergency and requested national support for ongoing operations.

Damage assessments continue as authorities inspect unstable slopes, riverbanks and inundated agricultural zones. Additional rainfall in parts of the region is maintaining elevated hydrological risk while response teams carry out search, clearance and safety operations.

References:

¹ Frana sulle case a Cormons, 32enne tenta di salvare un’anziana, ma muoiono entrambi – ANSA – November 17, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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