UK: 71.3% of the country faces sudden drought due to low rainfall and high temperatures

London, August 10 (KUNA) -- The National Drought Group in the United Kingdom announced on Monday that 71.3 percent of the country is experiencing sudden drought conditions due to low rainfall and rising temperatures. The group, which includes senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, the government, water companies, and organizations representing relevant sectors, warned in a statement that “all regions of the country are facing pressure on their water resources, with growing impacts on agriculture, public supplies, navigation, and the environment.” According to the statement, 45 million people live in areas affected by drought, while more than 27 million people are currently subject to water use restrictions. This announcement comes as the UK issued an orange-level health warning earlier for a heatwave from Tuesday through Friday, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius, marking the fifth heatwave the country has experienced this year. Last month, the Environment Agency announced that half of England was suffering from drought due to similar conditions of low rainfall and high temperatures. (End) A.S.H / F.A.S