The situation in China

It’s a different climate in China now. There, weeks of drought and heatwaves have even created power shortages in some parts of the country. Due to persistent drought, many rivers in China carry significantly less water. The Yangtze, the world’s third-longest river, which supplies several hydroelectric plants, was also affected. Several bushfires broke out around Chongqing, which authorities blamed on continued drought and heat. 1500 people had to be evacuated.

Large parts of the country are currently experiencing the hottest and driest summer since 1961, according to government data. In recent weeks, temperatures have soared above 40 degrees Celsius in many places. As reported by state news agency Xinhua, 14 regions and provinces are currently affected by “moderate to severe” drought.

France has also been in the grip of drought for weeks. The drop in water levels apparently led to a large fish kill. “Le Parisien” newspaper reported on Tuesday that about eleven tons of dead fish had to be brought out of the pond in Mabley, northwest of Lyon. Experts suspect that low water levels in the nearby Loire prevented fresh water from entering the pond, where water temperatures rose and algae formed. Eventually there was no oxygen left in the pond and the fish suffocated.

Half of Europe threatened

According to EU experts, the current drought in Europe could be the worst in half a millennium. In a report published on Monday, researchers found that almost half of Europe is at risk of drought. Accordingly, the risk of drought increased, especially in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Romania, Hungary, northern Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Weather conditions such as prolonged heat and heavy rainfall have increased in recent years. Climate change has made heavy rainfall more frequent and intense in most parts of the world. Other human factors also play a role in flooding.