Torrential rains in central Italy have caused severe flooding, killing at least two people. A river overflowed it’s banks, spilling into the streets, and cars were seen floating down the flooded roads.

Torrential rains in central Italy have caused severe flooding, killing at least two people.

A river in the town of Senigallia overflowed its banks, sending cars floating down the flooded roads.

Many homes and other property have also been destroyed.

Local home owner Marco Rossi is quoted as saying: “Old people who live on this street, some are over 80, and they don’t remember anything like this!”

The rains have stopped, but authorities are reportedly encouraging people in the area not to leave their homes, and to stay upstairs rather than evacuating, since there is still a severe weather alert in place for the next few days.

Coordinated rescue teams have been deployed including police, fire service helicopters and amphibious vehicles to help the area’s most devastated by the flooding including flooded overpasses and landslides.

Schools in the area will remain closed with some acting as emergency shelters.

The downpour of rain is expected to move across southern parts of Italy, and weather experts are predicting that other countries in Europe like Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia might also experience heavy rain and possible flooding over the next few days.