On 25 October 2011, an extraordinary rainfall event struck the provinces of La Spezia, Massa, and Carrara, with 500 mm of rain recorded over several hours, causing the overbanking of the Vara and Magra and flashflooding in neighboring valleys. Many towns suffered severe damage, including those of the Cinque Terra, with a death toll of 6 victims. Through the eyewitness accounts of rescue crews the story of the disaster and its aftermath is retold of a community that reacted promptly and independently to get back on its feet after clearing the mud and debris.<%YOUTUBE=5KvRph1frG8%>
