In Pics | Canals in Venice dry up as Italy faces drought threat

Venice, where floods have been an ongoing concern, has now been facing unusually low tides that are making it impossible for gondolas, water taxis and ambulances to navigate some of its famous canals. The prolonged stretch of ebb tides is linked to a lingering high-pressure weather system over much of Italy, experts say.

Gondolas lay beached along a series of Venice's famed canals amid low tides and lack of rain. Credit: AFP Photo

Tourists were disappointed as boats sat on silty mud flats due to low water tides. Credit: AFP Photo

Since the canals essentially serve as streets in Venice, the phenomenon of the last few days has added to the challenges of every-day life in the lagoon city. Credit: AFP Photo

The problems in Venice are being blamed on a combination of factors -- the lack of rain, a high pressure system, a full moon and sea currents. Credit: AFP Photo

The Italian city which is better known for its high tide has currently been affected by low tides, has made life difficult not only for holiday makers but for water ambulances. Credit: AFP Photo

Italian rivers and lakes are experiencing a severe lack of water, the Legambiente environmental group said, with attention focused on the north of the country. Credit: AFP Photo

Ambulance boats in some cases have had to tie up farther from their destination, forcing medical crews to sometimes hand carry stretchers over long distances since their vessels can't progress up canals reduced to a trickle of water and muck. Credit: AFP Photo