Foreign Office warns UK tourists face 'risks' in Italy and urges 'caution'

Foreign Office warns UK tourists face 'risks' in Italy and urges 'caution'
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The Foreign Office has warned UK tourists face "risks" and said "check with your tour operator" for information. It comes as flooding sweeps the European Union, with everywhere from Italy and Poland to Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic impacted.

The Foreign Office warned: "Severe flooding is currently affecting the region of Emilia-Romagna. There can be risks around riverbanks, green areas affected by flooding and stagnant water. The rail services between Faenza and Forli and Porto Maggiore and Ravenna are suspended.

"The website of Ferrovie dello Stato has more information. Check with your tour operator or accommodation provider before you travel and follow the instructions of local authorities. The website of the Civil Protection Department has further information (in Italian only)."

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It adds: "Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. For severe weather warnings, visit the European Meteorological Services website. Wildfires are a risk during the extended summer months. They are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Check the latest alerts and weather forecast and follow advice of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas and report fires to the emergency services.

"For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit the Civil Protection Department." It continued, saying: "Heavy rainfall is common throughout Italy in winter, which can cause local flooding. Monitor local media, weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities in affected areas.

"High waters are a common occurrence in Venice and can cause flooding in parts of the city." Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line, which means that minor tremors and earthquakes happen regularly, it went on to say.

Addressing volcanoes, it said: "Due to volcanic activity, local authorities have increased the alert levels for both Etna and Stromboli in the south of Italy. In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the advice of local authorities.

"Airspace can be affected during eruptions."