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Death Toll Rises in Italy's Emilia-Romagna, Tens of Thousands Left Without Power

At least nine people have been killed in Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region, local media reported on May 17, after heavy rain caused flash flooding in a number of towns and cities.

Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci said some areas received half a year’s average rainfall in the last 36 hours.

At least 50,000 people across Emilia-Romagna were left without electricity on Wednesday, Musumeci said.

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, said the country’s coast guard was sending fast boats and aircraft to assist with rescue operations.

The country’s national fire service said 600 firefighters from all over the country had carried out at least 450 rescues.

Footage posted by Domenico Giovannini shows inundated streets in the town of Castel Bolognese overnight from May 16 to 17.

The rain was set to continue on Wednesday, with the weather system gradually weakening toward the evening, 3B Meteo said. Credit: Domenico Giovannini via Storyful

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