Cagliari, Italy – January 19, 2026 – Amid severe storms battering Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria, firefighters mounted a daring rescue as floodwaters from the Rio Piscinas surged through the Cagliari area.

In Murrecci, crews reached nine dogs trapped by the rising waters, struggling against the current. Firefighters used swift, coordinated efforts to pull the animals to safety, ensuring none were lost to the flooding.

Across Italy, 1,272 firefighters with 423 vehicles were deployed to respond to damage caused by heavy rain and strong winds. Operations focused on dangerous trees and structures, landslides, and widespread flooding, with 110 rescues in Sicily, 70 in Sardinia, and 40 in Calabria.

The Cagliari rescue highlighted both the power of the storm and the determination of emergency crews. “It was urgent to act quickly,” a firefighter said, underscoring the precarious situation. The successful operation brought relief to residents and drew attention to the dangers posed by rapidly rising waters in urban areas.

The storm continues to challenge local authorities, but the swift saving of the nine dogs remains a striking example of courage under pressure.

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