Thu Sep 19 08:20:13 UTC 2024: ## Emilia-Romagna Hit by Devastating Floods for Second Year in a Row

**ROME** – The northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna is facing a second year of devastating floods, as a storm system that has been battering central Europe brought torrential rainfall. The low-pressure system, named Boris, has caused the worst flooding in over two decades, with at least 24 deaths reported across the region.

“It rained non-stop for more than 48 hours,” said Irene Priolo, the acting president of Emilia-Romagna, highlighting the severity of the weather event. She added that about 1,000 people were evacuated overnight, significantly less than the 45,000 forced to flee their homes during the previous floods.

The region was already reeling from the impact of May 2023 floods, which caused €8.5 billion in damage and claimed 17 lives. This year’s floods, though geographically concentrated, have seen similar rainfall amounts, reaching up to 250 millimeters in some areas.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency, closing schools and suspending rail services in several provinces. In the town of Lugo, residents on the ground floor were evacuated after the Senio River overflowed. The national fire department has conducted over 500 rescue operations, utilizing helicopters to reach affected areas.

While the flooding has been particularly severe in Emilia-Romagna, neighboring regions of Tuscany and Marche are also experiencing floods and mudslides.

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