Italy declares state of emergency in northern regions to combat drought

Italy declared a state of emergency Monday in five northern regions that are most affected by drought.

The Cabinet, convened under Prime Minister Mario Draghi, decided to issue emergency decrees for Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto, reflecting droughts in the Po River and eastern Alpine basins.

The government also allocated 36.5 million euros ($38 million) to overcome the crisis. The largest share of the funds (10.9 million euros or $11.3 million) will be given to the Emilia-Romagna region.

Italy is suffering its worst drought in 70 years. The amount of precipitation in the country’s northern regions has decreased by half since the beginning of this year compared to previous years.