(ANSA) - LONDON, AUGUST 12 - A state of emergency has been officially declared by the British authorities due to drought in many areas of England, including the capital London, after months of low rainfall and record high temperatures.
According to the statement released by the National Drought Group, the body that monitors water reserves, parts of south-west, south, central and eastern England are affected by the alarming condition, which requires new forms of rationing.
The emergency was last declared in 2018.
"We urge everyone to carefully manage the amount of water they use during this exceptionally dry period," said National Drought Group President HarveyBradshaw.
For days, companies in the water sector had been preparing extraordinary measures and some had already been introduced.
The new state will be able to more easily prohibit customers from watering the garden or washing the car, but also impose stricter restrictions, extending commercial bans on cleaning buildings, vehicles and windows.
There is also the possibility of drawing more water than usual from rivers and reservoirs.
At the moment, however, the authorities reassure that "the essential supplies of water are guaranteed".
(HANDLE).