It resulted in one of Italy's worst disasters, killing 268 people, destroying 63 buildings and demolishing eight bridges.
Having crashed through the village, the torrent continued until it reached the Avisio River a further 4.2 km (2.6 mi) away, destroying everything in its path.
[1] An investigation into the disaster found that the dams were poorly maintained and the margin of safe operation was very small.
Meanwhile, water continued to be pumped into the reservoir behind the dam, which, coupled with the less efficient drainage, meant the pressure on the bank of the upper dam began to increase.
[1] In June 1992, 10 people were convicted of culpable disaster and multiple manslaughter for their roles in the accident and were all sentenced to prison.