In Italy, at least eight people died while thousands were forced to evacuate their homes due to floods triggered by torrential rain. The floods battered Italy's northern Emilia-Romagna region. <br />''<br />''According to officials, eight bodies had been retrieved from various locations. While the rains were easing, the river levels are still rising. According to the government, some regions received half their average annual rainfall in just 36 hours, causing rivers to burst their banks and sending water cascading through towns. Thousands of acres of farmland are reported to be submerged in flood water. Meanwhile, the Formula One race in Imola scheduled for this weekend has been called off after the government said the emergency services had to concentrate on the rescue operation.<br />''<br />''<br />''<br />