Deadly deluge sparks evacuations in Emilia-Romagna

Eight people have been killed and several are missing after heavy rains caused flooding in Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region, officials say.

About 10,000 people have been evacuated, and some had to be rescued from roofs by helicopter.

The authorities say 14 rivers have broken their banks, flooding 23 towns. The mayor of Ravenna says his city is now “unrecognisable”.

The Emilia-Romagna F1 Grand Prix this weekend has now been cancelled. Discussions on Wednesday between local authorities and organisers of the race at Imola concluded that the event could not go ahead.

Further rain is expected in the region over the coming days.

(BBC)