Record drought in Italy threatens water supplies

In northern Italy, the Po River is a vital source of water for drinking, agriculture, and energy production. However, water levels are at a record low as the country suffers from its worst drought in 70 years.

The Po River, Italy’s longest river, is severely dried up after months of heavy rainfall and rising temperatures. The lack of snow in the Alps has worsened the problem, as it normally melts throughout the spring and summer and replenishes the river.

As a result, farmers are struggling to irrigate their crops. The Po Valley produces about 40% of the country’s food, including wheat, grapes and tomatoes, and is Italy’s most important agricultural zone.

More than 100 towns in the Po Valley have been instructed to ration water during the night. Tanker trucks supply water where local reservoirs are unable to. Leaders in the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna have called for a state of emergency to be declared.

The situation is likely to worsen, as a heat wave hits the area and no rain is forecast.