‘Crisis’ in seaside city in Spain loved by Brits as tourists face strict rules | World | News


A popular seaside city in Spain loved by British tourists is reeling from an acute water crisis with authorities desperately hoping for rainfall. 

New figures have revealed that reservoir levels across Malaga in Andalucia remain precariously low despite recent rainfall.

The news comes as southern Spain faces its worst drought in more than 40 years. Officials and residents are worried about strict water restrictions if reserves keep decreasing.

Malaga’s reservoir levels decreased this week despite rainy weather, with water reserves now operating at a worryingly low 15.91 percent  – historical figures show that the province’s reservoirs are usually more than 50 percent full at this time of year, reports The Olive Press

Almeria currently holds the record for the lowest reservoir levels among all Spanish provinces, standing at a meagre 8.48 percent, marking a decrease of 0.45 percent from the previous week.

In general, Andalucia’s reservoirs are only 25.43 percent full, the lowest among all autonomous communities.

Junta president Juanma Moreno warned in January that at least 30 days of rainfall would be required to prevent stringent restrictions this summer.

However, weather forecasts indicate that there will be no rainfall on the Costa del Sol until at least mid-March. The news will prove worrying for residents and local authorities given that many municipalities have already been forced to introduce overnight cuts and pressure restrictions.

The Junta recently announced a  £185m (€217m) package of drought measures, including money to fix leaky pipes, a key source of water loss.

However, critics of the regional government believe this does not go far enough, with economists estimating that the drought will cost Andalucia over £3.42 billion (€4 billion) this year alone.

Officials are worried that the region could run out of water by October if weather patterns continue.



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