Sicily Faces Severe Drought, Farmers at Risk

Cammarata, a town in southern Sicily, is grappling with a severe drought exacerbated by record-high temperatures and a year of minimal rainfall. Local farmer Liborio Mangiapane describes the dire situation on his farm, where the struggle for water has become a daily challenge. With the region's main water basins nearly depleted, authorities have implemented strict water rationing, limiting supply to residents and farmers. The national government has declared a state of emergency, allocating 20 million euros to address the crisis through water tankers, new wells, and repairs to aqueducts. The impact of the drought is profound, with rainfall deficits reaching up to 60% in some areas. Mangiapane notes that his usual water sources, including a pond that once provided for his animals, are now completely dry. The local water basin authority is rationing water to nearly a million residents, with some areas receiving water for only two to four hours a week. As a result, households and farms are increasingly reliant on municipal tankers, as the existing aqueducts suffer from significant water loss. In response to the crisis, organizations like Coldiretti have stepped in, donating substantial amounts of fodder to support struggling farmers. As the region anticipates the onset of the winter rainy season in August, there is cautious optimism that infrastructure improvements, such as aqueduct renovations and the construction of new reservoirs, will help Sicily adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.