ITALY has started water rationing as soaring temperatures have caused the worst drought in at least 70 years, affecting the country’s north-west. 

Some 125 towns are being asked to limit water use there as the 400-mile-long Po river levels fall by three-quarters.

Its current depth is currently measured at three metres below the zero gauges — unprecedented for the month of June. 

Daytime temperatures are 4°C higher than average for the time of year, while it has not rained in some northern areas for almost four months.  

It has led to the worst drought since 1952, with temperatures rocketing to 40°C in the Lombardy region.

The national federation of water companies Utilitalia has asked for drinking water supplies to be cut off at night in over 100 towns in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions.

A National Farmers Association spokesperson said the Po river drought threatens 15 per cent of the national farm output, with damage currently estimated at over €2 billion (£1.7bn).

The Lombardy regional government has called on Prime Minister Mario Draghi to implement a state of emergency. 

Three other regions, Piedmont, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna have described the situation as “alarming.”