Gliding through the serene canals of Venice on a gondola with the gondolier singing the romantic ballad ‘O Sole Mio‘ would have been on not just your wishlist but your bucket list. After all, a trip to Venice and you haven’t sat on a gondola, then why even go to Venice, right? Well, unfortunately, you may have to remove gondola rides from your Venice itineraries as the canals face drought alerts ahead of summer. Here’s more to it.
Venice Canals Face Alarming Drop In Water Levels
According to a report by The Guardian, the dry winter weather in Italy brings drought concerns ahead of summer. The Alps haven’t received enough snowfalls which mean canals in Venice are facing low tides. These low tides mean that the famous gondolas, water taxis and even ambulances can’t traverse the iconic canals. It’s a combination of different factors that have led to this, be it the lack of rain, full moon and sea currents and high-pressure system.
There is severe lack of water in Italian lakes, rivers and canals. The Legambiente environmental group revealed in a statement that Italy’s longest river, Po has an alarming 61 per cent less water than normal. In July 2022, Italy experienced the worst drought in 70 years, declaring a state of emergency in regions around river Po.
Also Read: Planning To Visit Venice? You Will Have To Make A Reservation In Advanced
Water Deficit In Italy Means No Gondolas Or Boats
Not just the Italian river Po, even rivers in northern Italy reported record low water levels, where even boats are having a tough time navigating the waters, leaving visitors unable to reach San Biagio island. The president of the Italian Meteorological Society revealed to The Guardian that nothing has changed since last year. Italy is still in a situation of water deficit, the last hope is spring which is the rainiest period in the Po Valley. The Italians have hope that rainfall in the months of April and May may turn the situation around.
Also Read: Tourists Spotted Surfing In Venice’s Grand Canal; Mayor Calls Tourists Idiots & Fines Them
So, here’s hoping there is water at the end of the tunnel, or canal in this case.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva