Hi!
Some of us American women from Monterosso al Mare have started an English version of the town website/blog to keep tourists and travelers updated with what's going on in the recovery of the village and the area after the flash floods of October 25th that heavily damaged the area. The spirit of the community has been incredible, along with the amount of progress that has been made. The New Town will be almost completely back to normal in a few months, and even in the Old Town, which was heavily damaged, most places are planning on being open and ready for tourist season by Easter 2012. The National Park, as well, has outlined plans to have the majority of the hiking trails open by Easter as well.

The site is www.rebuildmonterosso.com and it contains information about donating as well as news and pictures as we rebuild.

Also, Vernazza has the same, savevernazza.com

Thank you everyone for your continued support of this area as we recover from a disaster that proved just how strong the spirit of these little towns is.

thanks for posting and Godspeed!

Yes thanks for the links, I will look forward to following the blog.

Have been thinking of the townspeople often. We have such lovely memories of our visit last September. Our best wishes to everyone as you recover from the disaster.

Thank you for the update.

We were just there and there was so little information about what was open. We had a gorgeous sunny day and ended up parking in Riomaggiore, walking to Manarola, taking the train to Corniglia. We had lunch in Corniglia and reversed the process (train, walking).

While it wasn't the "full CT experience", it was Thanksgiving Day and we were thankful for the sun, the views, and being together as a family. We look forward to re-visiting in the future.

Thank you everybody for your kind wishes and thoughts. It's been a nightmare, but it's getting done. It was a real testament to the resolve of the people of this region. Giving up and not rebuilding was never an option, and everyone worked too hard all their lives to give up what they have now. Hope to see everyone in the future!

Great to hear ..... thanks for sharing update on progress being made to restore the CT.

We are planning a trip to Italy around that time and will probably not have a chance to go back any time soon, so we were heartbroken to hear about this tragedy. Would it be ok to visit CT by 1st week of March?

Yes, 3 of the towns were untouched by the flood, and the New Town in Monterosso, as well as parts of the old town, are perfectly fine. All are gearing up to be open by Easter. It's ok to visit even now (though its a bit cold)

That is great news. Thank you very much! Best wishes to everyone there and happy holidays

Thank you for posting this update and a Felice 2012!

Hello and thank you for your update! I am so sorry to hear what has happenned to your beautiful town. We were considering visiting at the end of April and I am glad to hear that it should be ok to visit. Which of the three untouched towns do you reccommend staying in? We would love any other advice or reccommendations!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/wo...torm.html?_r=1

co106,

Welcome to Fodor's!

Though most people's first and only post don't usually direct them to websites that ask for donations, we do thank you reminding us of the continuing need in these towns.

Though it's been some time and not in the headlines anymore, I would also add Haiti as a place that STILL needs significant resources for rebuilding (and will for years to come).

ClintonBushHaitiFund.org

www.redcross.org

Hi bardo, not my first and only post, and the site has much more information besides just donations! Sorry if I'm not very active in the forum, we've been a little busy here digging out

Monterosso is anticipating opening for tourist season as normal by Easter. Vernazza as well is planning on late spring/early summer. Many places in the Old Town are reopening even now - there are a few bars and a restaurant serving with normal hours. As for the 3 other towns, @kristenanderson, Corniglia has always had a special place in my heart, even with the stairs!

Thank you everybody for your warm wishes!