Crews Rescue Residents From Rooftop in Italy's Emilia-Romagna Region

Italy’s Coast Guard said it rescued two people from a rooftop in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region on Wednesday, May 17, after heavy rain caused flash flooding in a number of towns and cities.

At least five people have been killed the region, local media reported on May 17.

3B Meteo reported that over two months worth of rain fell in the space of 48 hours. Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci told Radio24 that at least 5,000 people had been evacuated, with that number expected to rise.

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, said 25 soldiers, two helicopters, two diving teams, and Coast Guard personnel, were taking part in assistance operations in affected areas.

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

Footage posted by the Guardia Costiera shows a helicopter rescue of two people from a roof window. Floodwaters can be seen surrounding the property. Further rescue efforts from the region are documented in the video.

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