Italy declares state of emergency in Emilia-Romagna and Marche due to flooding

September 21 () –

The Italian government declared a state of emergency on Saturday in the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche, both located in the north of the country and where flooding has been reported due to the heavy rains that have hit the country in recent days.

This measure is accompanied by the sending of some 20 million euros to cover the damage in the regions, especially on the dozens of roads that have been affected by torrential rains that days ago also caused havoc in central and eastern Europe, leaving more than 20 dead.

In total, more than 2,500 people in Italy have already been evacuated from their homes by the authorities. Several cities, including Bologna and Modena, have also been affected, according to information collected by the Italian news channel.

These floods are reminiscent of what happened almost a year ago, when heavy rains in Emilia-Romagna claimed the lives of 17 people. The Minister of Civil Protection, Nello Musemeci, has in fact lashed out at the local authorities for, in his opinion, not having invested the funds provided at that time correctly.

“Something is wrong. Catastrophic floods like this one cannot continue to occur in Emilia-Romagna,” said Musemeci, attacking regional authorities controlled by the Social Democrats who have interpreted his words in electoral terms, given that the region is going to the polls in November.