Scientists and environmental groups fear Italy could be faced with another drought following last summer’s emergency, as the Alps have received less than half of their normal snowfall. Venice, where flooding is normally a major concern, is experiencing unusually low tides that make navigating some of its famous canals impossible for gondolas, water taxis, and ambulances.
Venetian problems are being blamed on high pressure, a full moon, and sea currents. Italian rivers and lakes are suffering a severe water shortage, according to Legambiente. Italy’s longest river, the Po, which runs from the Alps in the northwest to the Adriatic, has 61% less water than normal at this time of year. As a result of the most severe drought in 70 years, Italy declared a state of emergency around the Po River last July.