France decrees drought alert in 86 departments of the country

MADRID, 25 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The French authorities have decreed this Monday the alert for drought in 86 departments of the country a week after the strong heat wave that the territory has suffered.

Despite the recent summer storms, the water level is below minimum levels, which is why these departments have imposed limited access to water in the face of water scarcity, which is accelerating, according to information from the newspaper 'Le Figaro'.

Of the total of these regions, the Government places in 28 those that are in "crisis", while another 58 are in "maximum alert". To this has been added the heat wave, which has caused an increase in the use of water by French households.

In those areas where the alert is yellow or orange, the restrictions affect not only farmers but also civilians, who cannot wash cars or water large gardens during working hours.

The maps show that the eastern part of France has been particularly affected. In total there are almost thirty departments that have the highest alert, which implies an emergency use of water resources, such as those intended for health or civil security.

The authorities warn that the situation could continue like this until at least August 15 due to high temperatures, which will last for at least two weeks.