Severe drought continues in Italy after minimal winter precipitation

(FILE VIDOE) A drone view of the River Po, near Bergantino, Italy, on July 15, 2022. Italy's rivers and lakes are bracing for a year of intense drought, as a winter with meager rain and snowfall sets off alarms over the impact on agriculture, hydroelectricity, and access to clean water. The current drought in February is reminiscent of that experienced in August 2022, despite occurring during the winter season when precipitation is expected. The water shortage is not only affecting crops but also the supply of drinking water, resulting in the deployment of tanker trucks to certain towns in Piedmont. The Po River has already run dry, the major lakes in the north are partially depleted, and Lake Garda's water level has hit a historic low.