Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloney announced that she will leave the G7 summit in Hiroshima a day earlier than planned to coordinate the authorities’ efforts in the context of the devastating floods in northern Italy, News.ro reported with reference to Reuters.

Torrential rains have devastated the Emilia-Romagna region, causing floods that have killed 14 people. Material losses amount to billions of euros. In addition, agriculture in the area was severely affected.

About 36,000 people were forced to leave their homes, and many people who remained in flood-affected areas were left without electricity.

The Italian government has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday at which it will decide on measures to help the affected population.

“I decided to return to Italy. Honestly, I can’t stay so far away from Italy in such a difficult time. After two days away, my conscience is asking me to come back,” Maloney said.

She said she had informed other G7 leaders of her decision to leave.