Piedmont: State of emergency until year-end; water crisis followed by landslide risk

Piedmont's regional councilor for water emergency, Matteo Marnati, has announced a state of regional emergency to address the ongoing drought and water scarcity, warning that the crisis is far from over. The emergency, which will be managed under a new regional law, allows access to a national fund to cover expenses incurred, including water transport via tankers, aid to the population, and urgent repairs. So far, costs have surpassed 400,000 euros, primarily for water delivery to affected communities, and are projected to reach around one million euros.

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We have already exceeded 400,000 euros, especially for the transport of water to the municipalities and fractions that can no longer supply themselves.

Marnati emphasized that the immediate priority is ensuring access to drinking water, particularly in mountain areas where water networks are often fragile and lack alternative supply connections. The increased tourist presence during summer further strains resources, with a 5% rise in water demand for every degree Celsius increase in temperature. This has led to consumption levels 20-30% above normal during recent heatwaves. The councilor noted that the water shortage has already impacted tourism, with some visitors leaving hotels due to lack of water, threatening the local economy.

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The figure is growing rapidly and could reach around one million. The state of emergency is precisely to guarantee economic coverage for the entities intervening in the territory.

Beyond the current water crisis, Marnati expressed significant concern about the potential for landslides and debris flows in areas recently ravaged by wildfires. He stated that if intense rains occur in the autumn, these fire-affected zones could face severe hydrogeological risks. "Today we face a lack of water, tomorrow we may have to manage the risk of landslides. These are two consequences of the same climatic phenomenon," Marnati explained, highlighting the interconnectedness of the environmental challenges facing the region. The state of emergency is expected to remain in effect until the end of the year to manage these evolving risks.

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We must face both sides of the same coin.