Po River drought threatens Liguria's inland shipping lanes

Italy's Po River has fallen to historically low levels as the country endures its fourth heatwave of the summer, according to Euronews. The river near Pavia has exposed wide stretches of dry riverbed, raising fresh concerns over water supplies and farming across northern Italy.

The Po is Italy's longest river, running from the Alps in the west to the Adriatic Sea in the east, and serves as a critical artery for agriculture and industry in the northern plains. Its decline comes as forecasters warn of continued sweltering conditions into the Ferragosto weekend, with highs of 40C expected in parts of the country, The Local Italy reports.

For Liguria, the implications extend beyond the immediate river basin. The Po's low levels threaten the inland waterways that connect to the port of Genoa, a vital hub for shipping and logistics in the region.