At least three dead as heavy rains in Italy burst riverbanks and flood towns

Premier Giorgia Meloni said the government is monitoring the situation and 'is ready to intervene with necessary help'

Flooded houses in Cesena, in the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna (Vigili del Fuoco/AP)

Residents in northern Italy have been told to get to higher ground amid fears rain-swollen rivers will again burst their banks.

The warning from officials comes after flooding killed at least three people and forced the evacuation of 5,000.