Italian Govt to declare state of calamity for flood-hit Emilia Romagna
The Italian government will declare a state of calamity for Emilia Romagna at next Tuesday's cabinet meeting following flooding emergency that has left nine people dead in the northern region. File pic of Savio River on May 17 by LaPresse via AP
ROME: The Italian government will declare a state of calamity for Emilia Romagna at next Tuesday's cabinet meeting following flooding emergency that has left nine people dead in the northern region, Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto said on Thursday.
The government will also formalise initial emergency measures announced on Wednesday, including a freeze on mortgages and tax collection, the Italian News Agency (ANSA) quoted the minister as saying on Rai Radio 1.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Emilia Romagna was hit by a new wave of torrential rainfall linked to the climate crisis, with up to 500 mm - half the average annual precipitation - falling in 36 hours in some places.
Thousands of people had to be evacuated as floodwaters rose in many built-up areas and at least 4,000 people were left without a home.
On Thursday, 50,000 people were reported to be without electricity.
-- BERNAMA
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