A severe flood has struck the Italian city of Florence following heavy rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and water levels to rise to unprecedented levels. Authorities have issued a red alert, urging residents to stay indoors for their safety.

Around 190 people have been forced to evacuate, including 150 in Campi Bisenzio, where ground-floor apartments and vehicles were submerged.

Tuscany Governor Eugenio Giani has advised residents to avoid ground floors. Fire services have shared images of flooded streets and partially submerged cars in Sesto Fiorentino, north of Florence.