Italian Government Declares State of Emergency in Flooded Areas

bologna - The Italian government has declared a state of emergency in the regions of Emilia Romagna and Marche (the Marches) following the recent floods.

The funding is intended for rescue operations and infrastructure restoration. Heavy rains have caused extensive flooding, with many streets submerged. More than 2500 people had to be evacuated, and cities like Bologna, Modena, and Ravenna have been affected.

Meanwhile, the right-wing government in Rome is at odds with the regional authorities of the affected areas. Minister of Civil Protection Nello Musumeci accused the social-democratic administration of Emilia-Romagna of misusing the funds already allocated. This comes after last year's floods in the region, which claimed seventeen lives and caused billions in damages.

The social democrats dismissed the minister's comments as election rhetoric, as the region of Emilia-Romagna, a traditionally left-leaning area, is set to hold elections in November.