On May 21, a Formula 1 race was supposed to take place on the legendary track in Imola, Italy. But the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix had to be urgently canceled due to heavy rains that hit the region, causing flooding.

The natural disaster has already claimed the lives of five people.

Rampant elements in Emilia-Romagna

Northern Italy has been suffering from heavy rains lately. Two weeks ago, Venice and Ravenna, located in the coastal zone of the Adriatic Sea, were hit by a natural disaster. And in recent days, cities in the interior of the country have suffered. Strongly unlucky region of Emilia-Romagna. Due to heavy rainfall, a terrible tragedy occurred. The water level in the local river Santerno has risen by several meters.

On May 16, the regional government set the alert level to red. For preventive purposes, 5,000 residents had to be evacuated. Unfortunately, the measures taken did not prevent the death of five people. The fate of dozens of the missing remains unknown.

Photo: © Alessandro Mazza / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press

“My Thoughts and Prayers with Flood Victims”

Santerno flows very close to the track in Imola, where the Formula 1 race was supposed to take place. But because of the rise in the water level in the river, there was a real danger to people’s lives. The element has not yet been able to reach the track, but the Formula 2 paddock turned out to be in the flood zone. Trucks partially hidden under water make a strong impression – they literally float in the water.

The day before, the organizers asked all TV people to leave the track for their own safety. The personnel of the Alpin team also faced the consequences of the elements. Employees had to evacuate the hotel due to the threat of flooding.

Initially, it was stated that the race was not in danger, but as the weather worsened, more and more doubts began to appear that the Grand Prix would take place. On May 17, it became known that, due to the current situation, it was decided not to hold the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on time.

– After discussions between the leaders of Formula 1, the FIA ​​President, the competent authorities, the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, the head of the Emilia-Romagna region, the mayor of the city, it was decided not to hold the Grand Prix weekend in Imola due to the inability to safely hold the event for our fans, teams and our staff,” the racing series said in an official statement.

Photo: © Alessandro Mazza / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press

Formula 1 also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and support for those affected by the rampant elements, paying tribute to the work of emergency services that are doing everything possible to help those in need.

“It’s such a tragedy to see what happened to Imola and Emilia Romagna, in the city and region where I grew up. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the floods, as well as with the affected families, – stated in a press release from the head of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali.

The decision of the organizers really looks like the only correct one. Risking the lives of riders, staff and spectators in this situation would be really unwise.