Emergency powers invoked amid worsening drought in Auckland, New Zealand

Emergency powers invoked amid worsening drought in Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland's Watercare Services is drawing about 15 million liters (4 million gallons) of water a day more from the Waikato River since June 16, invoking emergency powers in response to its worst drought in 25 years. New Zealand utility company Watercare is…

Mekong River Commission urges more transparency after record low water levels

Mekong River Commission urges more transparency after record low water levels

The intergovernmental Mekong River Commission (MRC) said in a statement released on Tuesday, June 15, 2020, that China should be more transparent over its dam operations on the Mekong River. The statement comes months after water levels downstream hit record lows…

Worsening drought affects nearly half of north China’s Inner Mongolia

Worsening drought affects nearly half of north China’s Inner Mongolia

Increasing drought in north China's Inner Mongolia has already affected 45 percent of the region, local authorities reported on Sunday, June 7, 2020. On Monday, a sweltering temperature of almost 40 °C (104 °F) was recorded in the area. The regional…

Northern Ireland under worst drought since 1976

Northern Ireland under worst drought since 1976

Farmers in Northern Ireland are facing the worst drought since 1976. It came after an unusually dry spell and the sunniest spring ever, with records dating back to 1929. Allan Chambers, a member of the UFU's Seeds and Cereals Committee, said the lack of rainfall…

Cuba breaks all-time temperature record

Cuba breaks all-time temperature record

The island nation of Cuba broke its all-time temperature over the past weekend. According to the country's official meteorological agency, on April 11, 2020, the town of Veguitas registered 39.3 °C (102.7 °F) — the hottest temperature ever recorded for…

Sea of Galilee expected to fill up for the first time since 1992, Israel

Sea of Galilee expected to fill up for the first time since 1992, Israel

The Sea of Galilee or Kineret– Israel's largest freshwater lake– has increased by 6 cm (2.3 inches) following heavy rains from April 9 to 11, 2020. According to the Israel Water Authority, the level reached 209 m (686 feet) below sea level as of Sunday, April…