VOICED Drought in north threatens power cuts and water shortages

Описание: (15 Jul 2003) VOICED BY VERA FRANKL



Pavia, near Milan
0000 Mid shot couple walking along dry river bed
0007 Wide shot bridge over river bed
0014 Wide shot Ostilia power station
0018 Various of closed water cooling entrance
0027 Mid shot pipes
0030 Houseboats
0036 Wide shot pan of river to power station

Rome
0044 Busker playing next to fountain
0051 Various of people cooling themselves by fountain
0058 SOUNDBITE (English) Vox pop, American tourist
0105 People in square
0110 Family eating ice cream
0116 VISION ENDS

STORYLINE:

Italians might have to deal with another round of power blackouts at the beginning of August as the drought in northern Italy increases demand for electricity supplies.

Italy suffered power cuts across the country late last month when citizens overloaded the system during a heat wave.

The country is currently sweltering amid temperatures in excess of 90 degrees farenheit.

VOICE-OVER:

0002
For people living in northern Italy, a riverside walk isn't what it used to be.

Drought has left rivers at their lowest levels in decades, while soaring temperatures have stretched the country's power grid to its limits.

The power cuts of the last month look set to continue with last week's closure of the Ostilia power station.

Like other plants along the River Po, it doesn't have enough water to cool its turbines.

Several other power stations are facing closure if the dry weather continues.

0030
Local authorities in the north are due to meet on Wednesday to decide whether to declare a state of emergency.

Italy's Civil Defence office hasn't gone that far just yet, but does admit it's a very serious crisis.

0044
SOUND UP busker

0046
In the capital, it's easy to see why power demand is up, as residents and tourists try to escape the heat.

0054
SOUND UP busker

0058
SOUNDBITE: (English) Voxpop, American tourist:
"The heat is excruciating, as beautiful as Rome is, it makes it almost unbearable just to enjoy the sites, but I am still having a good time."

0105
The drought has pushed up the price of some foods, while water shortages are just around the corner.

But for these people, the main priority is keeping cool.

0116
VISION ENDS

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