Deadly Downpour: Torrential Rain Claims Lives in Northern Italy

Torrential rain in Italy's northern Emilia Romagna region caused extensive flooding and killed at least two people, an elderly cyclist and a man aged around 70. The rain follows months of drought which raised concerns about the low water level in the Po, Italy's largest river. The fire brigade carried out around 400 rescue operations, evacuating dozens of people. Rail services were suspended and several streets were closed. The head of Italy's civil protection agency is travelling to the flood-hit area and Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin promised help for those affected.