"The famous arch of the sea stacks at Sant'Andrea in Melendugno, Puglia, Italy, popularly known as Lovers' Arch, collapsed on Valentine's Day after strong storm surges and heavy rain swept across southern Italy. The rocky arch, one of the best-known natural landmarks on the Adriatic coast, got its name as it served as a backdrop for wedding proposals, selfies and postcards, and was one of the most recognisable symbols of the Salento, one of Italy's most heavily visited tourist areas."
"It is a devastating blow to the heart, said Melendugno's mayor, Maurizio Cisternino. One of the most famous tourist features of our coastline and of the whole of Italy has disappeared. According to local authorities, strong winds, rough seas and intense rainfall in recent days progressively weakened the rock structure until its final collapse on Saturday. It is the most significant damage inflicted by coastal erosion on the landscape of the Salento."
The Lovers' Arch, a famous sea-stack arch at Sant'Andrea in Melendugno, Puglia, collapsed on Valentine's Day after strong storm surges and heavy rain swept southern Italy. The rocky arch served as a backdrop for wedding proposals, selfies and postcards and was a recognisable symbol of the Salento tourist area. Local authorities reported that strong winds, rough seas and intense rainfall progressively weakened the rock until its final collapse. Melendugno's mayor described the loss as a devastating blow and urged resources for an organic intervention to address coastal erosion. Mediterranean cyclones known as medicanes have become increasingly frequent, driven by rising sea temperatures. These cyclones can produce winds over 60mph and waves up to 15 metres, causing severe coastal damage.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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