Italy declared a state of emergency on Monday for the northern regions surrounding the river Po which happens to account for a third of the country’s agricultural production.
More broadly, it also introduced a state of emergency in five northern regions – Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto – committing 36.5 million euros ($US38 million) of funds to help tackle the issue.
The decree gives authorities the power to cut through red tape and formalities to take action if deemed necessary, such as imposing water rationing for homes and businesses.
The Po is the longest river in Italy, running for over 650 kilometres through this wealthy region of northern Italy. Its banks are known for the high yield of agricultural products. However, the drought has left barren lands and farmers say the flow is so weak that seawater is seeping inland, destroying crops.
“The state of emergency is aimed at managing the current situation with extraordinary means and powers, with relief and assistance to the affected population,” the government said.
The government added saying that further measures could be taken in the future to deal with the drought which water authorities say is increasingly impacting central Italy after an extremely dry winter and spring followed by an exceptionally hot early summer.
Much like the government created a commissioner to oversee the coronavirus pandemic, Italian media have reported that Prime Minister Mario Draghi was also considering appointing a commissioner to coordinate the drought response.
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