High temperatures and drought, Italy declares a state of emergency

2022-07-05 09:23:23Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

High temperatures and drought, Italy declares a state of emergency

The 5 regions in northern Italy, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto will receive €36.5 million in emergency funds to tackle water shortages.

Drought threatens more than 30% of Italy's agricultural production, according to the Coldiretti agricultural union.

Some municipalities have already announced water rationing.

Unusually hot weather and scant rainfall during the winter and spring have added to water shortages in northern Italy.

"The state of emergency aims to manage the current situation with extraordinary means and powers", announced the Italian government.
The Italian government announced that it may take further measures if the situation does not improve.

The 'Po' is Italy's longest river, flowing eastwards for more than 650 km.

Farmers in the Po Valley say salty seawater is now seeping into the river, destroying crops. Over the weekend, at least seven people died after being caught in an avalanche triggered by the collapse of a glacier in the northern Italian Alps. Prime Minister Mario Draghi said it was "undoubtedly" linked to global warming.


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