A state of emergency declared in northern Italy
A state of emergency was declared in northern Italy to combat drought. The authorities have taken this step in the five areas of the north region which are most affected by the drought.
The cabinet led by Prime Minister Mario Draghi decided to declare a state of emergency in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto, the report said.
The government has allocated 36.5 million euros to overcome the current crisis. The most significant part of the funds will give to the Emilia-Romagna region.
According to the report, Italy is suffering from the worst drought in 70 years. Rainfall in the northern part of the country has halved since the beginning of this year compared to last year.
Experts have already warned about the negative impact of drought conditions on agricultural production. They say that this crisis has threatened 30 percent of the agricultural output. The agricultural sector has so far suffered losses of around three billion euros.
