Italy faces another year of severe drought after little winter rain or snow

Vast areas along Po River already parched, raising fears for farming, hydropower and drinking water

Italy’s rivers and lakes are facing another year of severe drought after a winter of of little rain and snowfall, raising the alarm on the implications for farming, hydropower and access to drinking water.

Vast areas of the Po – the country’s longest river that nourishes several northern and central regions – are already parched, while the water level on Lake Garda is the lowest during winter in 35 years.