Low tide leaves Venice canals almost dry

STORY: Venice canals are almost dry after exceptionally low tides

making it impossible for gondolas, water taxis and ambulances to navigate some waterways

The problems in Venice are being blamed on a combination of factors

including lack of rain, a high-pressure system, a full moon and sea currents

Weeks of dry weather have raised fears of another drought after last summer's emergency

with the Alps having received less than half of their normal snowfall, according to environmental groups

Italy's longest river, the 'Po', has 61% less water than normal at this time of year

Last July Italy declared a state of emergency for areas surrounding the Po

which accounts for roughly a third of the country's agricultural production and suffered its worst drought for 70 years