Po River Shrinks: Saltwater Invades 18km Inland

The Po River in Italy is facing a critical water shortage, exacerbated by a relentless European heatwave. In less than two weeks, the river's flow has drastically decreased from approximately 1,000 cubic metres per second to below 300 at a key point before it reaches the Adriatic Sea.

This reduction has allowed saltwater to intrude as far as 18 km inland, posing a severe threat to the region's vital agriculture and protected wetlands. Barriers constructed in the 1980s to combat such seawater intrusion are proving insufficient against the current conditions.

Local farmers report that vital crops like soybeans, alfalfa, and sunflowers are at risk of not completing their growing cycles, potentially leading to a lost harvest. Irrigation canals are being closed to prevent saltwater from damaging crops, impacting rice and maize growers as well.

While a similar crisis occurred after the 2022 drought, this year's situation is deemed more alarming due to the phenomenon's early appearance and intensity. Experts note that the river's flow has fallen below previously considered minimum thresholds.