EXPLAINED: How could Italy's drought state of emergency affect you?
Italy's government has declared a state of emergency in five northern regions. Here is what this means for people who live, work, or visit those areas.
The Italian government approved a state of emergency in five regions, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto, that will be in place until December 31st, according to a government press release.
The authorities say the decision was taken due to the current water deficit situation in the territories of regions within the basins of the Po and Eastern Alps and other drought conditions detected in other areas.
READ ALSO: Italy has declared a drought emergency in five northern regions
According to the government, "the state of emergency is aimed at addressing the current situation with extraordinary means and powers, with rescue and assistance interventions to the population concerned, and at restoring the functionality of public services and strategic network infrastructure."
The first step is allocating money to the National Emergency Fund.
How much money will the government spend?
Italy's government has set aside € 36.5 million for its National Emergency Fund.
Most of it, €10.9 million, will be sent to the Emilia Romagna region. The Lombardy region should receive €9 million, while the Piedmont region is set to receive €7.6 million. The Veneto and Friuli Venezia regions will each receive €4.8 million and €4.2 million, respectively.
What is a state of emergency?
A state of emergency is a provision by law that entitles the government to put through policies through direct ordinances, without the need for parliamentary approval, for the safety and protection of its citizens, according to Italian law.
It's what has allowed the Italian government to set the budget for its National Emergency Fund regarding the drought.
Through a state of emergency, many Covid-19 regulations were first implemented, and help to receive Ukrainian refugees was quickly offered.
What will change with the state of emergency?
It's hard to tell. For now, the financial aspect, with the € 36.5 million set aside to combat the drought effects, is confirmed, but the federal government haven't given much more information on what the money will be spent on.
READ ALSO: Eight ways to save water during Italy’s drought
The state of emergency provides “extraordinary means and powers” to help guarantee public safety and compensation for losses while seeking to ensure normal living conditions for those in the area.
There is also an expectation for a task force creation which will decide on further measures.
Veneto's governor Luca Zaia told ANSA that the state of emergency was a "welcome" decision. However, they are now "waiting to understand the details and the appointment of the Commissioner and any subcommissioners so that we can be operational with quick interventions".
What can we expect in the future?
Zaia mentioned several steps that could be taken using the National Emergency Fund cash. Among them, he suggested investments to clean mountain reservoirs and create new reservoirs.
There is also a need to invest and assist agriculture and start moving production in Italy to a more "arid culture" modality, the Veneto governor said, citing the Israeli experience with crops in extreme weather.
Local authorities including in Baveno, northwest of Milan, have cut the water supply to fountains. Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP
It is also possible that the state of emergency will be used to impose sanctions on those who waste water and risk fires, for example. It also gives the government the green light to impose water usage restrictions.
What restrictions already exist?
Local authorities have already imposed several restrictions in the affected states.
Veneto has so far been one of the hardest-hit regions as most of its corn and wheat crops are dangerously near a point of no return, and several areas continue to be struck by water shortages.
READ ALSO: Drought in Italy: What water use restrictions are in place and where?
Measures are stringent in Villorba, near Treviso, where until September 30th, residents will not be allowed to use potable water to water gardens, wash vehicles or fill up private pools between 6 am and 11 pm.
Fines for breaking these rules reportedly range from €25 to €500.
Similar water restriction rules are in place in almost all the affected regions, while others monitor the situation closely and are expected to start taking measures soon.
Comments
See Also
The Italian government approved a state of emergency in five regions, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto, that will be in place until December 31st, according to a government press release.
The authorities say the decision was taken due to the current water deficit situation in the territories of regions within the basins of the Po and Eastern Alps and other drought conditions detected in other areas.
READ ALSO: Italy has declared a drought emergency in five northern regions
According to the government, "the state of emergency is aimed at addressing the current situation with extraordinary means and powers, with rescue and assistance interventions to the population concerned, and at restoring the functionality of public services and strategic network infrastructure."
The first step is allocating money to the National Emergency Fund.
How much money will the government spend?
Italy's government has set aside € 36.5 million for its National Emergency Fund.
Most of it, €10.9 million, will be sent to the Emilia Romagna region. The Lombardy region should receive €9 million, while the Piedmont region is set to receive €7.6 million. The Veneto and Friuli Venezia regions will each receive €4.8 million and €4.2 million, respectively.
What is a state of emergency?
A state of emergency is a provision by law that entitles the government to put through policies through direct ordinances, without the need for parliamentary approval, for the safety and protection of its citizens, according to Italian law.
It's what has allowed the Italian government to set the budget for its National Emergency Fund regarding the drought.
Through a state of emergency, many Covid-19 regulations were first implemented, and help to receive Ukrainian refugees was quickly offered.
What will change with the state of emergency?
It's hard to tell. For now, the financial aspect, with the € 36.5 million set aside to combat the drought effects, is confirmed, but the federal government haven't given much more information on what the money will be spent on.
READ ALSO: Eight ways to save water during Italy’s drought
The state of emergency provides “extraordinary means and powers” to help guarantee public safety and compensation for losses while seeking to ensure normal living conditions for those in the area.
There is also an expectation for a task force creation which will decide on further measures.
Veneto's governor Luca Zaia told ANSA that the state of emergency was a "welcome" decision. However, they are now "waiting to understand the details and the appointment of the Commissioner and any subcommissioners so that we can be operational with quick interventions".
What can we expect in the future?
Zaia mentioned several steps that could be taken using the National Emergency Fund cash. Among them, he suggested investments to clean mountain reservoirs and create new reservoirs.
There is also a need to invest and assist agriculture and start moving production in Italy to a more "arid culture" modality, the Veneto governor said, citing the Israeli experience with crops in extreme weather.
It is also possible that the state of emergency will be used to impose sanctions on those who waste water and risk fires, for example. It also gives the government the green light to impose water usage restrictions.
What restrictions already exist?
Local authorities have already imposed several restrictions in the affected states.
Veneto has so far been one of the hardest-hit regions as most of its corn and wheat crops are dangerously near a point of no return, and several areas continue to be struck by water shortages.
READ ALSO: Drought in Italy: What water use restrictions are in place and where?
Measures are stringent in Villorba, near Treviso, where until September 30th, residents will not be allowed to use potable water to water gardens, wash vehicles or fill up private pools between 6 am and 11 pm.
Fines for breaking these rules reportedly range from €25 to €500.
Similar water restriction rules are in place in almost all the affected regions, while others monitor the situation closely and are expected to start taking measures soon.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.