BRITS PANIC-BUYS BOTTLED WATER AFTER DROUGHT DECLARATION

Sat 13 August 2022:

In response to a severe heatwave and the worst drought in the history of the country, bottled water is flying off the shelves in major shops across the UK.

The Daily Mail reports that an Aldi store in London posted signs restricting customers to three to five water bottles each. Later, the store removed the posters.

“Limits are necessary for supporting you and your neighbours to find the products you need,” the poster read.

The Environment Agency has declared drought in half of England for the first time since 2018 because some sections of the nation have not received much rain this summer.

The Met has warned of continued dry spell until September in southern England even as it has predicted torrential downpours and thunderstorms on Monday in some parts of the country.

The authorities have urged residents of drought-affected areas to be frugal with water due to Britain’s driest summer in 50 years, with no rain and 37°C forecast Saturday and 35°C on Sunday.

There are reports of UK government mulling placing harsher restrictions, including banning the cleaning of vehicles, buildings and windows, and ban on sprinklers.

Water minister Steve Double, meanwhile, assured that there is enough drinking water of people.

“We are currently experiencing a second heatwave after what was the driest July on record for parts of the country. Action is already being taken by the government and other partners including the Environment Agency to manage the impacts. All water companies have reassured us that essential supplies are still safe, and we have made it clear it is their duty to maintain those supplies,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Friday saw a rise in temperature to 35°C, making the nation hotter than several Caribbean islands. As a result of allegations that crops including potatoes, apples, hops, broccoli, and sprouts have been harmed by the heat, authorities are also preparing for a food shortfall.

Farmers are doubtful of cultivating crops for next year, as there are concerns that many will decide not to, with dire consequences for the 2023 harvest.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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