Italy declares state of emergency for drought-stricken north

Italy declared a state emergency Monday for the areas around the river Po. The river Po accounts for about a third of Italy's agricultural output and is currently experiencing its worst drought in 70 years.

This government decree will enable authorities to cut through the red tape and immediately take action if necessary, such water rationing for homes or businesses.

The longest Italian river, the Po, runs more than 650km (400 miles) through the rich north. Many stretches of the river have dried up and farmers claim that the water is leaking into the inland waterways, which is threatening their crops.

In a statement, the government stated that emergency measures would be taken for lands bordering the Po and water basins in the eastern Alps.

It also created a state-of-emergency in five northern regions, Emilia-Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Giulia Lombardy Piedmont, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia - which earmarks an initial 36.5m euros ($38 million) to aid them with the water shortage.

The government stated that the state of emergency was designed to manage the current situation using extraordinary powers and means, and provide relief and assistance for the affected population.

The water authorities stated that they could take further steps to address the drought, which is increasingly affecting central Italy following a very dry winter and spring, followed by a hot early summer.

According to Italian media, Prime Minister Mario Draghi is also looking at appointing a commission to coordinate drought response. This would be similar to the way the government appointed a coronavirus commissioner.

($1 = €0.9596)

Our Standards

Share this article: