Italy: Sicily declares state of emergency amid worst drought in almost 20 years

Severe lack of rain and poor maintenance of irrigation facilities have led to water rationing affecting more than 800,000 citizens. Sicily has declared a state of emergency as the region experiences its worst drought in almost 20 years.  A lack of winter rainfall after last year's hot summer has left supplies running low. Experts say it could be the third worst water crisis ever recorded on the island. Reservoirs are drying up, water is being rationed and farmers are reporting failed crops. It comes as severe drought hits countries across the western Mediterranean including parts of Spain and other regions of Italy. In early February, President of Sicily Renato Schifani declared the drought a natural disaster.