Sicily is facing the worst in over two decades, with lost harvests and dried-up rivers. Economic losses are estimated at 2.7 billion euros.
Water is rationed for almost a million residents, with flowing water limited to only a few hours a week, according to AP. For many, the solution is owning a private cistern, according to AP.
The region's wheat harvest is expected to drop by over 50%, and wildfires have ravaged 5,800 hectares of agricultural land.
The drought has been exacerbated by relentless high temperatures, with Sicily currently 2 degrees Celsius warmer than average.
The Italian government declared a state of emergency, allocating funds for water tanker trucks, drilling wells, renovating pumping and desalination stations, and delivering water via navy tankers.
Despite the water shortage, water is still gushing copiously for tourists, with flowing fountains in archaeological parks and pools in hotel rows remaining full, contrasting with the dry conditions elsewhere on the island.
Sources: AP News, Finance & Commerce, Meteo Giornale, Express, Southwest Iowa News Source, Mirror, RSOE EDIS, FOX 41 Yakima, FOX 28 Spokane, Devdiscourse, BSS News, UrduPoint, Caledonian Record
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
