Italy: Mass evacuation as deadly floods hit northern Emilia-Romagna region

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Five people have been killed and several are missing after heavy rains caused flooding in Italy's northern Emilia-Romagna region, officials say.

About 5,000 people have been evacuated, and some had to be rescued from roofs by helicopter.

The authorities say 14 rivers have broken their banks, flooding 23 towns. The mayor of Ravenna says his city is now "unrecognisable".

The Emilia-Romagna F1 Grand Prix this weekend has now been cancelled.

Discussions on Wednesday between local authorities and organisers of the race at Imola concluded that the event could not go ahead.

• Emilia-Romagna F1 race called off

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