Drinking water dries up for thousands in France amid historic drought
The historic drought in France has reportedly left more than 100 communities in need of drinking water. Forecasters stated the dry conditions are anticipated to persist for at least the next two weeks.
There appears to be no relief in sight for France as it endures what is being called its "most severe drought" on record.
French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne made the stern remark Friday amidst the announcement of the country's plans to battle the ongoing drought and its third heat wave of the summer.
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The historic event has reportedly left more than 100 communities in need of drinking water. Forecasters said the dry conditions are anticipated to persist for at least the next two weeks.
"The exceptional drought we are currently experiencing is depriving many municipalities of water and is a tragedy for our farmers, our ecosystems and biodiversity," Borne said in a written statement on Friday.
(Estelle Ruiz/Hans Lucas via Reuters Connect)
The conditions have prompted the French government to create a crisis team. The unit will keep a close eye on the situation in the worst-hit areas and will co-ordinate tasks such as delivering drinking water.
The group will also keep tabs on the drought's impact on the country's energy production, transport infrastructure and agriculture.
It's been reported that at least 62 regions in the country have restrictions on water usage because of the drought.
July was the country's driest month since March 1961, according to Météo-France, stating it only received 9.7 mm of rain.
The current heat wave that has kept France sizzling since June has caused trees and bushes to discard their leaves early, making for scenes that looked reminiscent of fall.
Concerns are mounting that the drought affecting all of mainland France will lead to a reduction in this year's crop yields, worsening the food crisis brought on by the conflict in the Ukraine.
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Thumbnail courtesy of Estelle Ruiz/Hans Lucas via Reuters Connect.
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