At least eight people have died since heavy rains and floods hit northern Italy. Schools are closed and residents are asked to stay away from ground floors.
Rescue work is hampered by the flooding of several departments, including the emergency room. F1 World Championship round was to be held at the classic Imola circuit next to the Santerno River where the water levels have risen. It is the first time since construction began 20 years ago that the barrier has been lifted this early in the year. The affected area was subjected to severe storms in early May and the ground was still soaked.