Severe weather hits Puglia, Italy, damaging vineyards

A violent wave of severe weather has struck the Italian provinces of Bari and Taranto, characterized by heavy downpours and strong wind gusts. In Ginosa, a waterspout reportedly uprooted hectares of vineyards and various structures.

Coldiretti Puglia has reported that the sudden and intense precipitation poses significant risks of soil erosion, runoff, and water stagnation, which prevents effective soil infiltration. The organization warned that such concentrated weather events place immense strain on agricultural businesses, citizens, and local infrastructure.

Coldiretti also highlighted broader environmental concerns, noting that the region faces increased hydrogeological risks due to the abandonment of rural areas and soil sealing from urbanization. They emphasized the need to protect fertile land and agricultural heritage against increasingly intense meteorological phenomena.