Monday, Italy announced a state of emergency in five northern regions hardest hit by drought.

In response to droughts in the Po River and eastern Alpine basins, the Cabinet assembled by Prime Minister Mario Draghi resolved to issue emergency decrees for Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto.

In addition, the government invested 38 million euros (36.5 million euros) in combating the situation. The region of Emilia-Romagna will receive the most significant portion of the cash (10,9 million euros or $11.3 million).

Italy is experiencing the worst drought in seven decades. Since the beginning of this year, precipitation in the northern portions of the country has reduced by half compared to prior years.

Due to the high heat in recent weeks, certain northern towns have been forced to implement restrictions on drinking water and agricultural irrigation.

Experts have warned that the drought throughout the country threatens 30 percent of its agricultural production and has already generated losses in the agriculture sector of approximately 3 billion euros ($3.12 billion).