UK Environment Agency declares drought in seven regions covering 28 million people

LONDON, England — The UK Environment Agency has officially declared drought in seven regions across central, eastern and southern England, a decision affecting about 28 million people, roughly half the British population. The agency said July rainfall could fall to as little as 7% of the long-term average, with some southern areas seeing as low as 1%. The affected areas are East Anglia, London, the Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands and Wessex. Agency Water Sector Director Helen Wickham said water consumption was outpacing the rate at which the environment can replenish itself, warning that a second consecutive year of drought would have long-lasting effects on the environment, wildlife and the economy. The declaration comes as the United Kingdom experiences its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures exceeding 30°C in many areas. The Met Office recorded a monthly high of 38°C in June. Water Minister Emma Hardy said climate change is making droughts more frequent and outlined long-term government reforms, including infrastructure investment, nine new water reservoirs and obligations on water companies to reduce leaks.