The United Kingdom announced a "severe drought" status in six counties in southern England on Thursday, amid record heatwaves and an exceptional shortage of rainfall in the region.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that the declaration included Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and others, coinciding with a drop in water reserves in two major reservoirs in southwest England to less than 20% of their capacity, despite these reservoirs supplying water to approximately 400,000 properties.
According to the British government, southeast and southwest England experienced their driest period between April and September last year in over a century. The country received only 10% of its usual average rainfall in October, while the average reservoir fill level in England stood at 54% as of last week.
The UK has urged water companies to monitor withdrawals from natural resources and consumers to reduce usage, as water restrictions have been imposed in several areas. The drought's effects have extended to agriculture and fisheries, alongside increased risks of wildfires and difficulties in controlling them during the summer.
The British government has held weekly meetings since August to monitor the crisis, with the participation of meteorological experts, water companies, and farmer representatives. The UK experienced its hottest summer since records began, with more than 80% of England's area suffering from drought.
Environment Agency chief Philip Davies stated that record temperatures and severe drought have placed immense pressure on water resources, as rainfall continues to remain below normal levels.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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