Italy declares state of emergency for drought-stricken north

Many stretches of the river Po, which runs for more than 400 miles, have run dry and farmers say the flow is so weak that sea water is seeping inland, destroying crops.

Italy on Monday declared a state of emergency for areas surrounding the river Po, which accounts for roughly a third of the country’s agricultural production and is suffering its worst drought for 70 years.

The government decree will allow authorities to cut through red tape and take action immediately if they think it necessary, such as to impose water rationing for homes and businesses.

The Po is Italy’s longest river which runs for more than 400 miles through the wealthy north of Italy. Its waters help irrigate rice paddies, farm fields and grazing land for cows, including some whose milk is used to make prized Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

However, many stretches of the waterway have run dry and farmers say the flow is so weak that sea water is seeping inland, destroying crops.