This has not happened in 70 years/ Italy declares a state of emergency and raises the alarm. Here's what he's up against

Italy has declared a state of emergency in five northern regions surrounding the Po River amid the worst drought in 70 years.

Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto will receive €36.5 million in emergency funds to tackle water shortages.

Drought threatens more than 30% of Italy's agricultural production, according to the agricultural union Coldiretti, the BBC wrote .

Some municipalities have already announced water reduction notices. Unusually hot weather and little rain during the winter and spring have added to water shortages in northern Italy.

Italy's government said it may take further measures if the situation does not improve.

"Po" is the longest river in Italy, flowing towards the east.

Farmers in the Po Valley say salty sea water is now seeping into the river, destroying crops.

Over the weekend, at least seven people died after being caught in an avalanche triggered by the collapse of a glacier in the northern Italian Alps.

Prime Minister Mario Draghi said that this is "undoubtedly related to global warming".