The bomb found by the fishermen on the Rover Po, which suffered a drought in Italy, was destroyed and exploded in the quarry | World News
A controlled explosion was carried out on a World War II-era bomb discovered during a drought on the Po River in Italy.
The 450kg (71 stone) bomb found near the northern village of Borgo Virgilio – between Milan and Bologna – was safe on Sunday.
About 3,000 people were evacuated and nearby roads, railways and airspace were closed as military experts removed fuses.
Police escorted the bomb squad to a quarry 30 kilometers away in Medole, where the device was detonated.
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Almost half of EU countries suffer from drought
The military said the US-made bomb contained 240kg (38 stones) of explosives.
“Initially some residents said they wouldn’t move, but over the last few days we think we’ve convinced everyone,” said Borgo Virgilio’s mayor, Francesco Aporti.
The bomb was found by fishermen on the banks of the Po River – Italy’s longest river – on July 25.
Parts of the Po River have dried up
A state of emergency was declared around the river last month as it endured its worst drought in 70 years and heatwave conditions.
Po helps to irrigate crops and accounts for about a third of agricultural production in Italybut the water level has dropped significantly.
Italy’s National Research Council says 2022 is by far the driest year since records began in 1800, with a 46 per cent drop in rainfall nationwide – and the north the region affected most severely affected.
