Southwest France Wildfire-Damaged Area Sees Easier Firefighting Due to Heavy Rain
UK "London Still Faces Drought"... Outdoor Watering Ban in Effect
Heavy rain is pouring down in Paris, France, as cars drive through the rainwater. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] While many parts of Europe are suffering from heatwaves, droughts, and large wildfires, heavy rain poured down in France on the 17th (local time).
Starting from the evening of the 16th (local time), heavy rain fell in Paris at a rate of 47mm per hour, flooding several subway stations and turning them into muddy waters, while roads along the Seine River were submerged. Foreign media reported that in the southern coastal city of Marseille, water rose in the harbor and courthouse. In the southern Levar region, which had suffered severe drought damage, and five municipalities near the Mediterranean, road flooding occurred.
The rain was accompanied by strong winds. Winds of up to 104 km/h were detected at the Eiffel Tower. The French Meteorological Agency forecasted, "The storm is moving eastward," and "Some areas may receive up to 8cm of rain in a short period."
France, which experienced the driest July since 1961, had hardened ground that could not properly absorb the rainwater. However, due to the heavy rain, fire suppression became easier in the southwestern Gironde province, which had suffered significant damage from wildfires.
In London, UK, heavy rain also fell on the same day, causing some roads to be flooded, with cars driving through the water. At Victoria Station, water rose to ankle height, but trains and subways operated without disruption thanks to the quick closure of the entrance doors.
Heavy rain fell in downtown London, England, and British people are walking in the rain. Photo by Yonhap News
Some sports events were also suspended due to the heavy rain. The rain started in London and is spreading to southeastern England regions such as Kent and Essex.
However, the UK does not consider this amount of rain sufficient to resolve the drought. The National Drought Group (NDG), a drought response task force under the Environment Agency, officially declared drought in eight regions of England last week.
Thames Water, the water company responsible for London and southern England, announced that starting from the 24th, outdoor hose watering will be prohibited, among other water usage restrictions. This brings the number of companies implementing so-called 'hosepipe bans' to six. Thames Water explained, "Reservoir levels have dropped too low compared to normal, so we had no choice but to make this decision."
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