UK experiences rain amid prolonged drought but no relief as flood warnings issued

Rainwater Not Absorbed into Parched Land

Visible riverbed of the Thames River in the Ashton Keynes area
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Rainy London street

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] In the UK, which has been suffering from heatwaves and drought, signs of flooding are now emerging. The dry ground is unable to absorb rainwater, causing it to flow on the surface and resulting in floods.

The UK Met Office issued a warning for heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in England and Wales on the 16th and 17th (local time).

The Met Office warned that sudden flooding could occur due to the heavy rain. Already, heavy rain fell in the southwest of England the previous day, causing roads to be submerged and indoor flooding in Cornwall and Devon.

Recently, the UK has experienced consecutive days of heatwaves with daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and dry weather. Although rain has fallen, flooding is still occurring.

UK experts analyze that the ground has become dry and hardened like concrete, preventing water from seeping in, making it difficult for drainage facilities to cope.

BBC reported that even if it rains, water companies plan to impose water usage restrictions, such as banning the use of outdoor hoses.

A Thames Water official, which supplies water to London and surrounding areas, said, "We will introduce a ban on outdoor hose use by mid-next week," adding, "To avoid this, it would have to keep raining for the next three months."