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A severe drought has been declared in North West England, with Lancashire, Merseyside, and Cumbria severely affected. The region is facing a water crisis, with low reservoir levels and reduced crop yields due to the prolonged dry weather.
The Environment Agency has declared a drought in parts of North West England, affecting several counties including Lancashire, Merseyside, and Cumbria.
North West England has experienced several droughts in recent years, with the most severe one occurring in 2018.
The region's climate is characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall during the summer months, making it prone to drought conditions.
According to the Met Office, the average annual rainfall in North West England is around 800 mm, which is lower than the national average.
The drought has significant impacts on agriculture, industry, and household water supply, emphasizing the need for effective water management strategies.
The drought declaration comes after a prolonged period of dry weather, with many reservoirs experiencing low water levels. This has resulted in some drinking water supplies being affected, with customers being advised to take conservation measures to reduce their usage. The Environment Agency is working closely with water companies to ensure that all customers have access to safe and clean drinking water.
Water scarcity affects over 2 billion people worldwide, with 700 million living in water-stressed areas.
The main causes include climate change, population growth, and inefficient use of resources.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every day, nearly 1 million children under the age of 15 die from diarrheal diseases caused by contaminated water.
Efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and desalination plants can help alleviate this issue.
The drought has also had a significant impact on agriculture in the region, with many farmers reporting reduced crop yields due to lack of rainfall. This has resulted in concerns about food security, with some crops being deemed unsuitable for harvest due to their poor condition. The government has pledged support for farmers affected by the drought, including financial assistance and advice on conservation measures.
To mitigate the effects of the drought, the Environment Agency is implementing several measures, including restrictions on non-essential uses of water, increased enforcement of water efficiency standards in industry and agriculture, and provision of emergency funding for farmers affected by crop failures.
- sky.com | Drought declared in North West England
