Italy declares state of emergency in drought-hit northern regions

Five areas have experienced unusually early heatwave and lack of rainfall, particularly in the Po valley

Italy has declared a state of emergency in five northern regions and announced emergency funds over a worsening drought that has plagued the Po valley in recent weeks.

The cabinet approved a state of emergency in five regions - Friuli-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto - until 31 December, the government said in a statement that also announced a 36.5m (33.8m) fund to help those affected.