At the beginning of April, The Po – the country’s longest river – hit a seasonal record 30-year low, with flow rates of one-third of the average, according to the Po basin authority.

The surrounding Alps experiencing an unusually dry and warm winter with a limited snowpack that is unlikely to improve as summer approaches.

Lake Garda reached its lowest wintertime levels in over 30 years, revealing a sandy pathway to the isolated island of San
Biago.

Italy last year reeled under its worst drought in 70 years turning the Po into a long stretch of sand.

An abnormally dry winter has brought scant relief for farmers. Italy’s main farmer’s association said the sector had lost some 6 billion euros ($6.6 billion) last year and predicted 300,000 businesses would lose more if the drought does not end.

Aljazeera.