Drought-hit Italy Fears Emergency

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, July 16, 2003

Drought-hit Italy Fears Emergency

A state of emergency could soon be declared in Italy, which is battling its hottest summer in decades, as a heat wave sweeps through much of Europe.

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A state of emergency could soon be declared in Italy, which is battling its hottest summer in decades, as a heat wave sweeps through much of Europe.

Governors across northern Italy are asking for central government aid, warning that water supplies are under threat and agriculture is at risk, including vineyards.

Forecasters say that it may be more than a week before any significant rain falls in northern Italy.

Officials say that if there is no rain in the next two weeks, the government could call a state of emergency, which would likely include limits on water supplies.

There are also fears that major cities could suffer power shortages as demand surges, especially for air conditioning. Officials say though that any power cuts will be announced well in advance.

As the draught continues, Italy's biggest river -- the Po, which crosses the north for hundreds of miles west to east and is a vital supply for agriculture -- has fallen to its lowest levels in 100 years.

In Rome, temperatures have been around 35C (95F) for weeks forcing some tourists to incur a fine by cooling off in the Trevi fountain.

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