Drought and Neglect Push Bulgarian Cities Toward Severe Water Rationing
The summer drought has hit Bulgaria once again, with Pleven experiencing some of the most severe consequences
Vatican Fountains Turned Off in Response to Drought
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
pixabay.com
Vatican authorities began on Monday to turn off some 100 fountains, including two Baroque masterpieces in St. Peter's Square, due to a prolonged drought affecting the tiny city state and the city of Rome which surrounds it, according to Reuters.
Suffocating summer heat has followed two years of lower-than-average rainfall in Rome, forcing the Italian capital to close drinking fountains and consider the prospect of water rationing.
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said it was the first time authorities in the spiritual home of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics could remember being forced to turn off the fountains.
Standing in St. Peter's Square, where two fountains by 17th-century sculptors Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini stood dry, Burke said the Vatican wanted to help.
All 100 Vatican fountains will be turned off gradually over the coming days.
Rome is gasping after 72 percent less rain than normal fell in July, according to Sky Italia's weather TV channel. There was 74 percent less than normal in June, and a 56 percent reduction from the long-term average across March, April and May.
Caring for the planet and its resources is an important issue for Pope Francis, who demanded swift action by world leaders in the first ever papal document dedicated to the environment.
Related Articles:
Bulgarian Winemakers Brace for Lower Grape Harvest Due to Persistent Drought
Bulgaria’s wine sector faces a challenging year as winemakers anticipate lower grape yields, largely due to ongoing drought conditions
Bulgarian Ministers Urge Water Conservation Amid Infrastructure Overhaul
Government officials are urging citizens to adopt a more responsible approach to water usage as Bulgaria faces the risk of drought
Society | July 29, 2025, Tuesday // 16:34
Bulgaria’s Grain Sector Under Pressure: Wheat Stable, Spring Crops Suffer
The head of Bulgaria’s National Association of Grain Producers, Iliya Prodanov, has warned that this year's severe drought and high temperatures are set to cause extremely poor yields for sunflower and corn crops
Aging Infrastructure and Drought Leave Svishtov Villages Without Reliable Water Supply
Svishtov Municipality has declared a state of emergency in the villages of Hadzhidimitrovo and Gorna Studena due to a severe water shortage
Society | June 27, 2025, Friday // 15:07
Papal Contenders: Key Figures in the Race to Succeed Pope Francis
As Pope Francis' passing on April 21 has prompted speculation over who will succeed him, media outlets are highlighting potential candidates for the papal conclave
World | April 22, 2025, Tuesday // 12:02
Eurogroup Confirms Bulgaria’s Entry Into the European Stability Mechanism
The Eurogroup meeting concluded with an official decision that clears Bulgaria to join the European Stability Mechanism
No EU Court Decision on Complaint Challenging Bulgaria’s Euro Adoption
The Court of Justice of the European Union has rejected claims that it has issued a ruling blocking Bulgaria’s planned entry into the eurozone
The Euro Enjoys Strong Public Support Across Eurozone Countries
Public support for the euro in the eurozone remains robust
Europe Will Never Return to Russian Energy
EU legislators have reached a landmark agreement to end reliance on Russian gas by 2027, marking a decisive shift in Europe’s energy policy.
Four Nations Pull Out of Eurovision 2026 After Israel Approved to Compete
Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands have confirmed they will not take part in Eurovision 2026 after the European Broadcasting Union decided Israel can remain in the competition
Last Call for Entries: European Press Prize 2026 Invites Journalists Across Europe
The deadline for submitting entries to the European Press Prize is approaching, with the window remaining open until 23:59 CET on December 14
