ROME: Eight people have tragically lost their lives due to heavy flooding and mudslides in the northern region of Emilia Romagna, Italy. The devastating floods have also forced over 5,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
Irene Priolo, the vice president of Emilia Romagna, informed journalists that the bodies were recovered from various locations, and although the rainfall was easing, river levels continued to rise.
The area, already suffering from a prolonged drought, is currently under a red alert, indicating a state of emergency due to life-threatening weather conditions. As a result, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, scheduled for the weekend, has been canceled, and the site has been evacuated.
With 14 rivers bursting their banks in the affected area, residents in cities like Cesena have been forced to seek refuge on their rooftops to escape the surging waters. Rescue workers have been using rubber dinghies and helicopters to save those stranded.
Floods warning in affected areas
To aid in the evacuation efforts, 600 firefighters from across the country have been deployed, particularly due to the Po River, Italy’s longest river, also overflowing.
Authorities have issued warnings for people in flood-hit areas to remain in their homes and avoid unnecessary travel. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences to those affected by the floods and assured the government’s readiness to provide necessary assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani echoed this sentiment, affirming that the government would do everything possible to help those impacted by the disaster.
