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Spain: Catalonia hit by historic drought
Catalonia has been facing a three-year drought, the worst on record, with residents bracing for major water restrictions. The lack of precipitation is worrying in the region. – (franceinfo)
Catalonia has been facing a three-year drought, the worst on record, with residents bracing for major water restrictions. The lack of precipitation is worrying in the region.
For three years, it has rained very little in Vallirana (Catalonia). This historic drought led the municipality of 16,000 inhabitants to declare a state of emergency two months ago. Due to the water restrictions imposed, local residents must rely on tanker trucks to obtain supplies. Filling your containers has become a necessity for living normally. “You can’t do the dishes, wash your clothes”testifies a resident.
Groundwater levels in the red
After a scorching summer and an abnormally dry start to winter, groundwater levels are in the red in Catalonia. “We have had three years of much lower than normal precipitation”, explains Eva Martínez Morales, mayor of Vallirana. The absence of rain is clearly visible, especially in the forests. The reservoirs which supply Catalonia are experiencing very low levels.
