Europe is gripped by a massive drought: forest fires rage, countries impose restrictions on water use
Kyiv • UNN
Three heatwaves have caused historically low soil moisture and water shortages. In France and Spain, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated due to forest fires.
Europe is suffering from a massive drought that has caused record forest fires, crop failures, and water use restrictions in a number of countries. This is reported by Reuters and AFP, writes UNN.
Details
Three consecutive heatwaves with temperatures above 40°C have led to historically low soil moisture levels, massive fires, and water resource shortages.
The most difficult situation has developed in France and Spain. In the French regions of Gironde and Landes, about 63,000 people were evacuated due to fires, and President Emmanuel Macron appealed to the EU for help in fighting the blaze.
In Spain, a state of emergency was declared in the Madrid region, where over 10,000 people left their homes. Forest fires have also engulfed Greece, Portugal, and Italy.
Countries are introducing fines for wasting water
According to Reuters and AFP, France is experiencing the worst drought in its history. The country expects the worst corn harvest in 50 years, while in Romania, the drought has already destroyed over 1 million hectares of agricultural land.
Due to water shortages, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have imposed restrictions on its use. In particular, violating the rules in France carries a fine of up to 3,000 euros, and in some areas of Germany, up to 50,000 euros. Also, the low water level in the Rhine is already complicating freight transport and increasing transportation costs.
Forest fires rage in France, Italy and Spain amid heatwave23.07.26, 10:10 • 3140 views