A storm system that has wreaked havoc across central Europe brought devastating floods to the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna on Thursday for the second year in a row, forcing people to leave their homes and schools to close.

Romagna, dramatic scenes unfolded as helicopters from the Italian Fire Brigade and Air Force heroically airlifted residents from their rooftops, offering a lifeline in a region where rain has turned streets into rivers.

Frustrations build as the clean-up starts in flood-hit Emilia-Romagna for the second year in a row:::: Bagnacavallo, Italy:: Roberto Faccani, Former police commander"People are now traumatized and very demotivated.