In Italy, a state of emergency was declared in 5 regions surrounding the Po River, which accounts for approximately one-third of the country’s agricultural production and experienced the driest period in 70 years.
A state of emergency has been declared
Italy is experiencing the driest period of the last 70 years. The government declared a state of emergency due to drought in Emilia Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto regions surrounding the Po River, which accounts for about one-third of the country’s agricultural production.
The government also approved 36.5 million euros in aid to the said regions. The government said in a statement that the emergency measures would cover the lands surrounding the watersheds of the Po River and the Eastern Alps, adding that “The state of emergency aims to manage the aid to the affected population, with extraordinary means and powers of the current situation.”
DRAGHI CONSIDERS ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO FIGHT Drought
In the news in the Italian media, it was stated that Prime Minister Mario Draghi is considering establishing a mechanism similar to the commission established by the government to combat the corona virus crisis.
RESTRICTIONS ON WATER USE
Some cities and towns in the north, including Verona in Veneto, have restricted citizens’ water use. The National Research Council (CNR) reported that this year Italy received only half of the average precipitation it has received in the last 30 years. (UAV)