In Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna area, where torrential rain caused floods and landslides, nine people perished and thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes, according to officials on Wednesday.
Nello Musumeci, the minister of civil protection, claimed that some districts had experienced half their typical annual rainfall in just 36 hours, forcing rivers to overflow, sending water flowing through towns and engulfing thousands of acres of farmland.It was decided to cancel Sunday’s Formula One Grand Prix in Imola, which is adjacent to many of the worst-affected towns, in order to reduce the strain on the emergency services and keep racing enthusiasts away from the flood-ravaged area.
Stefano Bonaccini, president of the Emilia-Romagna region, told reporters, “We are facing catastrophic events that have probably never been seen before.” Unusual amounts of rain have fallen on land that can no longer absorb them.Ravenna, a city on the Adriatic coast famous for its early Christian historical buildings, was severely impacted. Approximately 14,000 people would need to be evacuated from the area as quickly as possible, according to the local interior ministry spokesperson.
Authorities reported that 120 landslides had been reported, and floods had affected 37 cities and settlements. Near Bologna, at least one bridge fell, various highways were weakened by floodwaters, and numerous rail services were halted.
Bonaccini claimed nine bodies had been found in separate places. Although the rains were slowing, the region’s vice president, Irene Priolo, informed reporters that river levels were still rising.
When the cabinet meets on May 23 to discuss relief measures, Civil Protection Minister Musumeci said he will ask them to find 20 million euros ($22 million) for the affected area.Tax and mortgage payments for flood-affected areas would be halted during the emergency, according to government officials.
