Weeks of dry winter weather have raised concerns that Italy could face another drought after last summer’s emergency, with the Alps having received less than half of their normal snowfall, according to scientists and environmental groups.
Venice canals are almost dry after exceptionally low tides making it impossible for gondolas, water taxis and ambulances to navigate some waterways. The problems in Venice are being blamed on a combination of factors including lack of rain, a high-pressure system, a full moon and sea currents.
Weeks of dry weather have raised fears of another drought after last summer’s emergency with the Alps having received less than half of their normal snowfall, according to environmental groups. Italy’s longest river, the ‘Po’, has 61% less water than normal at this time of year.
Last July Italy declared a state of emergency for areas surrounding the Po, which accounts for roughly a third of the country’s agricultural production and suffered its worst drought for 70 years.
