Unprecedented floods in Northern Italy have threatened the heritage of Italian art. In one day, more damage was done to Florence than in the whole of the Second World War.

The flood waters themselves were less harmful than the debris they carried -- the flotsam, mud, garbage, sewage and oil which swept through Florence. Bursting fuel oil tanks caused the worst destruction, spreading a thin oily film through the city which disfigured anything it touched. Some reports estimated damage to Florentine art works at 150 million dollars.

No amount of money, however, can replace the works lost; money alone cannot effect the restoration of those harmed. Yet money is essential to the salvage operations. Alitalia has been carrying vital conservation materials free of charge, and many experts are donating their time and effort to the rescue operations. But materials must be bought and shipped on a massive scale; more conservateurs must be mobilized.

American efforts are being channelled through the national Committee for the Rescue of Italian Art which has formed local committees in all large American cities.

James Ackerman, Chairman of the Department of Fine Arts, is chairman of the Boston local committee. Donations are desperately needed; they are tax deductible and should be sent to the C.R.I.A in care of Fogg Museum. The restoration of the works is urgent. Much of what is salvageable needs immediate care; oily accretions must be removed before the soaked works dry and are irreparably damaged. Contributions should be sent without delay.