World Nomads offers support and guidance to Brits following mass flooding in Italy
Floods in Italy: Support and guidance offered by global travel insurance company, World Nomads
World Nomads, the global travel insurance company, is offering support and guidance to Brits travelling to and around the northern Emilia-Romagna region of Italy following on from heavy rain resulting in mass flooding and landslides on 17 May.
It is estimated that some 37 towns and cities across the region have been impacted by the floods, leading to mass emergency response efforts and evacuations of citizens. The region is home to key tourist destinations such as Bologna, Ferrara and Parma.
Formula 1 has also cancelled the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to begin this weekend due to safety concerns and fears of overwhelming local authorities and emergency services.
Jonathan Frankham, General Manager, UK and Europe, World Nomads said:
“For Brits travelling to or around the region impacted by the floods, we’d strongly recommend keeping up to date with the FCDO advisories and be prepared to adjust your plans. At present, the advice remains cautionary.
“That said, with the F1 now cancelled and many flights being subject to cancellation, it's likely that some travel plans may be affected. If you need to change travel arrangements, the first point of call should be your airline or travel provider as they may provide aid. The same goes if your accommodation is impacted by the floods.
“When it comes to insurance, we’d like to stress that since this has happened outside of anyone’s control, you may be able to reclaim costs if you incur trip disruption as a result – but it depends on the type of travel insurance policy purchased.
“At World Nomads, on our Explorer Plan, if your accommodation is affected, you may be covered for reasonable additional accommodation and transport costs. You may also claim for additional expenses incurred if your pre booked public transport is cancelled or delayed for more than 12 hours.
“In any instance, we’d recommend checking your insurance policy wording carefully. And if in doubt, get in touch - at World Nomads our Customer Service team is available weekdays from 9am to 5pm (UTC/UTC+1). In the event where urgent assistance is required, we offer a 24/7 Emergency Assistance helpline.”
World Nomads offers the following safety tips for Brits in Italy:
- Follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services on the ground.
- Avoid downed power lines and listen for rumbling sounds that might indicate an approaching landslide or mudflow
- Use battery-powered torches and lanterns rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches.
- Avoid rapidly moving water where possible, as that can carry infections.
- Be aware that in areas of massive structural damage, exposure to chemical or biological or other contaminants (e.g. asbestos) is possible
- Move to the nearest open area (oval, park) away from damaged buildings, trees or roads where power lines may have fallen.
