The rain across northern Italy has finally eased, a great relief to those living near the banks of the Po, the country’s longest river.

More than two and a half months’ worth of rain fell in less than three days, swelling the Po and its tributary, the Tanaro. The Po overflowed in Turin, causing widespread flooding.

At one point the Po was more than one metre above its danger level and most bridges in the city had been closed because of safety concerns.

It is thought that the floods claimed the lives of two people.

The worst hit region was Piedmont, where the Civil Protection Agency said 610 people had been left homeless.

The forecast is for dry weather across the region in the coming days, allowing river levels to return to normal.