1966 flood of the Arno

The field is notable not only for its immediate practical importance but also for its historical role in cultural preservation. A landmark event was the 1966 Arno River flood in Florence, which devastated countless artistic masterpieces and rare books. The international volunteer effort to save these works, led by the "angeli del fango" (mud angels), spurred major advancements in conservation science and established new restoration methodologies, with some projects continuing for decades.

Recently, flood restoration has been prominent in global news due to ongoing recovery efforts from various flood events. Reports from late 2025 highlight infrastructure assessments and restoration progress on roadways in regions like Pakistan, as well as significant recovery milestones being reached in Australian towns. Other news items detail the completion of upgraded flood defense systems, the restoration of essential services like power in affected areas, and a seasonal surge in emergency service calls from property owners in hurricane-prone zones. These reports underscore the continuous and widespread need for professional flood restoration services worldwide.