Concern for Lake Garda: Satellite images show precarious water situation

The effects of the severe drought in Italy are clearly visible. The water level of Lake Garda has halved within a year.

Rome/Munich – Sun, water, pure relaxation: Every year, tourists are drawn to Lake Garda. With an area of 370 square kilometers, it is the largest inland body of water in Italy. Whether Malcesine, Limone, Bardolino, Sirmione or Riva del Garda, the Italian region around the lake invites you to spend your holidays. However, there are great concerns about the water.

Concern for Lake Garda: satellite images show extent

A problem that was already omnipresent in 2022 will continue in 2023 – only on a larger scale, as figures show. Already at the beginning of last year there was too little rain in the north of Italy, followed by a hot summer. With an impact on the water level of the lake. The consequences were already visible at that time in photos, for example of Sirmione.

In 2023, persistent drought and water shortages will continue to affect Italy. The north of the holiday destination is particularly affected. The water levels of Lake Garda are extremely low. Compared to the previous year, the number has halved. According to the Comunità del Garda, it is currently 46 centimeters. Last year, in the same period, it was still 99 centimeters. At the end of March, serious water levels between Torbole and Peschiera had already been reported.

As photos and videos illustrate, the island of San Biagio in Lake Garda was already within walking distance last year. Due to the lack of water, a thin strip of land formed between the island and the mainland. And even now, satellite images show the scale of the situation in Italy.

Lake Garda, for example, is currently suffering from extremely low water levels. Satellite images show the difference between June 2022 (left) and March 2023. © Spot/Airbus DS 2023/dpa

Drought in Italy: Other bodies of water also affected

The Po, Italy's largest river, has also been hit hard by water shortages. The water levels are already lower than last year, as the district authority responsible for the Po announced on Thursday (14 March). The temperatures in March and the low rainfall in northern Italy played a role in this. The individual small showers of the past few weeks did not help.

"Today, the predictions of the models and all the data collected show us a worrying situation," said the secretary general of the Po authority, Alessandro Bratti. He therefore called for a "convincing and decisive strategy" to address the problem. As early as February, experts warned of a massive drought due to a low snow cover in the Alps and the lack of rain.

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Dry period in Italy – government alarmed

Last week, the government in Rome passed a decree that provides for far-reaching measures in the fight against drought. A special commissioner and a committee are to be appointed. The government also wants to release funds to renew dilapidated water pipes.

In some areas, more than 50 percent of the water was lost due to leaks, making the country vulnerable to droughts. Rainwater collection basins, desalination plants and an increase in the reuse of treated wastewater are also planned. (MBR with dpa)