Mercury zooming
Europe is facing its worst heat wave in decades. While the scorching sun has come as a blessing for holidaymakers, widespread crop failure and forest fires have got farmers and the administration worried. At places, water levels have sunk so low that power companies are unable to generate any electricity and water traffic has come to a standstill. In parts of the continent, there are fears of 80 per cent crop failures.
European Union agriculture ministers have met in Brussels to discuss a financial bail-out plan for farmers. The ministers have petitioned the European Commission for assistance in tackling the cash flow crisis. eu farm commissioner Franz Fischler has already called the drought a "catastrophe', and has said the Commission is looking into ways for help.
Italy has already taken emergency measures by releasing water from the Alpine hydro-electrical basins as the Po river touched a historical low of 10 m. Churches have been holding mass vigils, staying open for 24 hours. Forest fires have been reported in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Croatia.