Environmental group raises the alarm as canals run dry and ground gondolas in Venice

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The environmental group Legambiente has raised alarm over long-running drought conditions in the north of Italy, with canals, rivers, and lakes all suffering. 

Venice, Italy is facing an unusual problem due to severe drought and low tides. As a result, the canals that are normally filled with water are now almost dry. Reuters reported that grounded water taxis and low-lying gondolas are sitting at the bottom of canals. 

The popular tourist spot known as “Water City” is becoming waterless. The grounding of gondolas and water taxis is an all-too-common sight. And now exposed foundations of buildings that are normally underwater are also seen.

Visitors don’t need a boat to get to San Biagio Island. And it is now accessible by foot traffic.  Lake Garda in the country’s north is at record-low levels because of drought. 

The current dry conditions in Venice are being blamed on multiple issues, including low tides, sea currents, and a full moon. 

They have reached a state of “average” water severity in three of the seven hydrographic districts.

Environmental Group requests intervention

 The group has called on the Italian government to define a national water strategy with short, medium, and long-term interventions that favor adaptation to climate change and immediately reducing water withdrawals and waste.