In the palace of Rome, the drought in southern Italy was being discussed.
"Currently, according to our understanding, the most severe drought area is Sicily. According to statistics from the astronomical station, in last winter, Sicily received only 80-120 mm of rainfall, which was far lower than the 300-600 mm in previous years.
In addition, 110-180 mm of rain fell in Sardinia
The amount of rainfall is also very dangerous, and the same is true in the southern part of the Kingdom Peninsula. The rainfall ranges from 120 mm in Cape Faroe, and the rainfall becomes more and more as you go north. Until Florence, the rainfall is the same as in previous years. This is last year's report produced by our Meteorological Bureau.
Your Majesty and all ministers can take a look at the winter rainfall distribution map."
With a nervous look on his face, the director of the Meteorological Bureau opened a map of Italy, on which the differences in rainfall were marked with various colors. It clearly showed the rainfall conditions in various places in Italy last winter.
Carlo looked at the rainfall distribution map in front of him and said, "Director Cox, can I ask if your Meteorological Bureau has any estimates of climate change in Italy in the future?"
Carlo's words made all the ministers present look at Director Cox.
As the center of attention, the meteorological director felt heavy pressure coming upon him.
"Your Majesty, our Meteorological Bureau has also calculated before. Based on the meteorological change data for hundreds of years, atmospheric droughts as rare as last winter have only occurred four times in Italy in a century, and the most recent one was the drought of 1881.
"There is a half chance that this kind of drought will subside in the second year, and there is a 30% chance that it will last for two years. Of course, there is also a very abnormal situation with large-scale rainfall in the summer. But this probability is very low and unlikely."
It is clear that this person knows the consequences of abnormal rainfall, which is more terrible than a prolonged drought.
"Thank you very much for your explanation. We already know it."
Facing the king's kind words, Director Cox, who was granted amnesty, immediately left sensibly. Staying at this time was not a wise choice.
Sure enough, before he could walk away, he heard Carlo say. "Everyone, the situation is now obvious. A drought is inevitable, and it is very likely to repeat the situation in 1881."
Carlo's words made everyone present feel nervous. Italy suffered heavy losses in the drought of 1881, directly losing Tunisia, which had been cultivated for many years. Or to put it another way, if it weren't for the French invasion of Tunisia that aroused public sentiment in Italy and diverted everyone's attention
attention, then the Italian government will be even more sad.
However, there is still a set of data that records the impact of the drought on Italy. In 1881, Italy had 390,000 immigrants, 150,000 more than the previous year. In the following two years, Italy had 340,000 immigrants, and 290,000 until
It only returned to less than 200,000 in 1985, which is enough to explain a lot of problems.
In addition, in the past three years, riots, vandalism, looting and other vicious incidents have tripled compared with previous years, so much so that the prison had to release some minor criminals with shorter sentences in advance to make room.
Therefore, when faced with Carlo's inquiry, the important ministers present also knew the seriousness of the problem.
"Your Majesty, according to my preliminary estimate, the affected population should be between 12 million and 15 million."
Interior Minister Edlas looked at the rainfall distribution map hanging on the wall and spoke out his estimate. The Ministry of Interior also manages the census, so looking at the affected area, he can estimate the approximate number of people affected.
But what he said made everyone frown. Half of the population was affected by the disaster, but the news couldn't be worse.
At this time, Agriculture Minister Mark Ryder also added: "According to the predictions of our Ministry of Agriculture, if there continues to be no rainfall, a major reduction in agricultural production this year will be a foregone conclusion. The national agricultural production will probably decrease by about 18-22%. Among them, in Xixi
The agricultural output of the island will be reduced by about 50%, while that of Sardinia is 40-45%, south of Naples is 30-35%, from the north of Naples to the south of Rome is 20-30%, and from the north of Rome to Florence is 10%.
—20%.”
The Minister of Agriculture's words made many people present feel really sad. A 20% reduction in agricultural production would be a big deal. You must know that although Italy has developed well in recent years, agriculture still has the largest labor force. It can be said that this reduction in agricultural production will have a great impact on Italy.
Very bad. Italy originally produced insufficient grain, so it could only maintain its livelihood by growing high-value cash crops and then purchasing grain from Eastern Europe.
The current reduction in cash crop production will affect too many people and may even bring instability to the Kingdom of Italy, so no one dares to ignore the power of this drought.
"Everyone, do you have any solutions?"
Looking at the rainfall distribution map in front of him and thinking about the more than 10 million people affected by the disaster, Carlo immediately asked. This situation has seriously affected the stability of the kingdom and must be taken seriously.
"I suggest that we start infrastructure construction in the disaster-stricken areas, such as ditches, bridges, roads and other facilities. In addition, we should also start construction of water conservancy facilities in various places that may be in disrepair during this period."
Transportation Secretary Pedersen put forward his own suggestions. Of course, the method must be the transportation aspect that he is most familiar with. Of course, water conservancy facilities can also be mentioned incidentally.
With the Ministry of Transport taking the lead, ministers from other departments immediately learned from it and offered their advice and suggestions.
"In view of the reduction in crop production, the Ministry of Agriculture should take the lead and try to guide the quality and quantity of exported agricultural products."
The Minister of Agriculture, who was a step too late, had to find a way to increase farmers' income.
"In view of the seriousness of the situation in the disaster-stricken areas, I recommend strengthening local police forces and paying attention to local public sentiments and grievances at all times. In addition, local garrison troops also need to be strengthened to ensure that the government has sufficient ability to suppress local areas and prevent evil elements from taking the opportunity to cause chaos."
Home Secretary Edlas also gave his own views.
Of course, in addition to these two people, there are other people's suggestions. Anyway, they are nothing more than suppressing public sentiment and grievances, meeting the needs of people's livelihood, and recruiting redundant labor to avoid causing regional unrest.
Of course, these people's suggestions were very good, and Carlo thought they were reasonable, but they seemed to have forgotten one issue. Fortunately, the finance minister, Baron Toston, did not forget it.
"If you want to provide disaster relief, you must have funds. Especially in this year's extremely large-scale drought, disaster relief funds are needed in huge amounts. And the government's emergency fund of 80 million lire is simply impossible to use, so we should issue a
Disaster relief bonds should preferably have a term of five to ten years."
Well, since we are talking about bonds, Carlo has to ask. "Mr. Toston, how many disaster relief bonds is appropriate to issue?"
"Based on the cost of disaster relief in 1881 and the current price level, I think an emergency bond of 800 million lira with a term of 5-10 years should be sufficient."
Toston gave a professional answer based on his own understanding.
800 million lire of funds is not a small amount, accounting for more than 60% of the total government revenue.
"But I remember that in 1981 the government only spent 520 million lire on disaster relief?"
"Yes, it was true that only 520 million was spent that year. But Your Majesty, the disaster relief was incomplete and had a lot of consequences. If we want to avoid the results of that year, we must have less funds for disaster relief."
Facing Toston's words, Carlo thought about it and acquiesced. After all, rescuing disasters is like putting out fires, and there should be no hesitation or reluctance at all.
But there is still one problem, which Carlo believes must be determined first.
“How much food does the government plan to purchase for disaster relief?”
"Purchasing food?"
"Yes."
"In terms of purchasing food, we..."
Carlo could see that the government did not plan to purchase much food. His expression was a little subtle. Is this still a government dominated by a left-wing party?
"Your Majesty, this issue is a bit complicated and needs some time to explain."
At this time Prime Minister Antonio stood up.
The Prime Minister's face must be given, so Carlo had no choice but to reply. "Okay, I can wait for your explanation."
Then, as if the matter was over, they continued to discuss the issue of disaster relief.
