Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: AFTER declaring drought in the south east, Environmental watchdog Natural Resources Wales has announced the same for north Wales. North Wales has moved into drought status after the driest sixmonth period since 1976, reported BBC.
NRW said despite the change in weather, trigger levels had been met to move the area into drought status. It follows south-east Wales which declared drought earlier this month. NRW said south-west Wales had benefited from the rainfall and would remain at prolonged dry weather status, while being closely monitored. NRW said affected areas included Conwy, Anglesey, Arfon, Dwyfor, Meirionnydd, Clwyd and areas served by the River Dee and Upper Severn.
It added more reports were being received in north Wales about streams drying up and fish found in distress.
Ben Wilson from NRW said, “The six-month period between February and July was the driest since the drought of 1976, and has placed extreme pressure on our rivers, groundwaters, agriculture and wildlife. “In some areas, this has caused river flows and groundwater levels to drop below historic lows.”
He added the environmental watchdog would be keeping a close eye on weather forecasts, river flows and groundwater levels as we head into autumn. For the period between February and July, Wales as a whole has been the 16th driest in 190 years and the driest since 1976. “We have no concerns about reservoir levels across our operating area, with most at levels close to what we would expect at this time of year.”
