more than 36,000 displaced by floods that killed 14 in Emilia-Romagna

Flooding rivers, submerged homes, hamlets cut off from the world and a heavy human toll: 14 dead. More than 36,000 people have been displaced following the floods that are devastating northeastern Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region announced on Saturday May 20.

The showers not knowing any respite, the regional authorities have extended until Sunday the red weather alert. The Ravenna authorities on Saturday ordered the immediate evacuation of particularly exposed hamlets. The floods have already caused more than 305 landslides and damaged or cut more than 500 roads in the region.

Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore said it would take “months, and in some places maybe years” to repair roads and infrastructure.

Giorgia Meloni leaves the G7 summit prematurely to go there on Sunday

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Saturday that she would leave the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan prematurely to return to Italy and deal with the crisis. “Frankly, I can’t stay so far from Italy at such a complicated time”, she said at a press conference. She also thanked the 5,000 people – members of the relief teams and volunteers – who are helping the victims affected by the floods.

On Saturday, a helicopter taking part in attempts to restore electricity crashed on Saturday near Lugo, injuring one of the four people on board, firefighters said.