Severe storm floods Rab island; firefighters battle damage

The island of Rab in Croatia experienced a severe weather event Friday, with intense rainfall and strong winds causing significant damage and flooding across the area. Firefighters were kept busy throughout the afternoon responding to a multitude of calls related to the storm's impact.

Multiple teams were engaged in pumping water out of flooded premises, including essential facilities like a kindergarten and a police station. Residential homes were also affected, and emergency services provided assistance to boats. Damage was reported to roofs, and a telephone pole was downed by the storm's force. The local fire department units were actively involved in the cleanup and repair efforts.

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On the territory of the City of Rab, five teams were engaged in pumping water out of flooded premises. Among the facilities where they intervened were the kindergarten building, the police station, and family homes, and assistance was also needed on boats.

Data from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service highlighted the intensity of the rainfall. By 4:30 PM, Rab had recorded 97.4 liters of rain per square meter. The most extreme downpour occurred between 12 PM and 1 PM, when an astonishing 67.6 liters of rain fell in a single hour. This intense precipitation led to widespread water accumulation and subsequent damage.

Authorities had issued a yellow warning for the Rijeka region, anticipating thunderstorms accompanied by heavy precipitation, hail, and strong winds. Cleanup operations are ongoing, and residents have been urged to exercise caution while the affected areas are being cleared. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as recovery efforts continue.

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By 16:30 on Rab, 97.4 liters of rain per square meter had been measured, with almost the entire amount falling in just four hours, between 10 AM and 2 PM. It was hardest between 12 PM and 1 PM, when as much as 67.6 liters of rain per square meter fell in just one hour.