Premier Paolo Gentiloni's cabinet on
Thursday declared a state of emergency for the northern
provinces of Parma and Piacenza due to drought.
The recent hot spell has aggravated a water shortage caused
by low rainfall since autumn 2016.
Furthermore, the arrival of large numbers of tourists has
increased demand for water.
The drought has created an emergency for farmers and
threatens to hit the supply of drinking water.
The declaration of a state of emergency brings with the
allocation of 8.65 million euros to help combat it.
Water shortages are also a big problem in many other parts of
Italy, including Piedmont, Campania and Sardinia, where the
region has announced a state of calamity in the area of Martina.
Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi on Thursday issued an order telling
inhabitants to limit water use for gardens, filling swimming
pools and washing cars.
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