Drought in Italy: Lakes and rivers disappearing

Several lakes and rivers are drying up as a result of drought across Europe.

The Thames, the Rhine and the Po are all examples of major European rivers suffering from record-low water levels. Lakes have also been In Italy, it has also severely affected Lake Braies in South Tyrol.

Despite heavy downpours of rain in recent days around Valdaora, Val Badia and Val di Fassa, which caused serious damage and numerous mudslides, the water level in the lake is still exceptionally low.

To get to the water in today’s conditions, you would need to walk at least ten metres further than usual. Although this may not sound significant, in the context of a lake withdrawal, it is vast.

With the front of the lake set back several metres, the pile-dwellings to access the barges are now completely uncovered.

Much of the melt water from the Marmolada glacier often flows into the lake. However, there are warning signs that the glacier may not exist for much longer; perhaps disappearing in the 25 to 30 years as the Alps retreat in a warming climate.

The Fedaia reservoir is also extremely low and was already below-average at the start of July. In England too, several reservoirs are also less than half-full.