Heavy rainfall in Italy leads to floods and inundations: government declares state of emergency in 5 regions

Italy has been hit by severe storms and rainfall, causing floods and inundations in many residential areas across the country, while it was reported that 1 person lost their life near the city of Bologna after their car was swept away by floodwaters.

Reports in the national press stated that the entire country has been left underwater due to the impact of extreme rainfall.

It was noted that the Ravone River, near the city of Bologna in the central part of the country, overflowed due to the heavy rain, and many streets were covered in water. Images of Bologna's streets and avenues being submerged became some of the most shared content on social media.

Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore's call for city residents to avoid using their cars and to stay away from ground floors in their homes was reflected in the press.

It was reported that a 20-year-old youth lost their life in Pianoro, near Bologna, after being swept away by floodwaters in their car yesterday evening.

In a written statement from the Prime Minister's Office regarding the flood disaster, it was stated: "Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely following the consequences of the adverse weather conditions affecting various parts of our national territory, starting with Bologna. Prime Minister Meloni expresses her closeness to the family of the person who lost their life in Pianoro and remains in constant contact with Minister of Civil Protection Nello Musumeci and Head of Civil Protection Fabio Ciciliano."

It was stated that approximately 1,000 people in the Emilia-Romagna region, where the city of Bologna is located, had to leave their homes due to the floods.

On the other hand, it was reported that the Po River reached overflow levels at some points in the cities of Turin and Piacenza.

The city of Catania on the island of Sicily, in the south of the country, was also affected by the extreme rainfall. Images of Etnea Street in the city center being completely submerged and turning into a river were reflected on social media. A person who was swept away by the flood on their motorcycle was seen being rescued with difficulty.

Due to the heavy rainfall, the airport in the city of Palermo, in the west of the island, was closed to air traffic yesterday evening after a section of the runway and apron were submerged; it was reported that the situation returned to normal in the morning hours and the airport was reopened.

The Prime Minister's Civil Protection Unit raised the alarm level to "orange," the second-highest level, for 5 regions today.

News Source: 12punto