The northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna has been hit by unprecedented flooding, leaving 8 dead and thousands homeless. Intense downpours caused rivers to overflow, submerging fields and towns in chest-high water. Helicopters airlifted residents from the roofs of homes, while rescue workers waded through the water to assist those stuck on the upper stories of buildings. Schools were shuttered, trains were canceled, and roads and highways were closed. The rainfall was described as “catastrophic” and “unprecedented” by experts. The flooding is a complex phenomenon with many causes, including land development and ground conditions, and is likely worsened by climate change. Officials are doing “everything possible” to lend a hand to those in need and restart as soon as conditions allow.
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