The Stream, August 21: Clean Water In Short Supply In Flood-Hit Kerala, India

The Global Rundown

Clean water shortages intensify in flood-hit Kerala, India. Shifting weather patterns are likely to bring hotter summers and heavier downpours in the northern hemisphere, according to scientists. Brazil’s Alagoas state declares a state of emergency as drought leaves thousands short on water. Water and sanitation systems continue to crumble in Yemen, fueling the spread of disease. The Water Authority of Fiji urges islanders to conserve water as drought depletes supply. Violence flares in Guatemala over land and water rights.

“At the base of the violence against defenders is the decision by the state to use land, water and natural resources not for the benefit of the many but the very few.” –Mike Taylor, director of the International Land Coalition (ILC), in reference to the death of 18 environmental defenders in Guatemala this year. According to a former government official, there are at least 1,000 environmental conflicts taking place in Guatemala, and the number is rising. The Guardian

In context: 2017 Was Deadliest Year for Environmental Activists.

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

What’s Up With Water – August 20, 2018 – “What’s Up With Water” condenses the need-to-know news on the world’s water into a weekly snapshot. Coverage this week includes: devastating monsoon flooding in Kerala, water shortages in Delhi, and drought in Australia.

HotSpots H2O, August 20: Taliban Attack on Ghazni, Afghanistan, Cuts Off Water, Power – After a five-day siege, conditions in Ghazni remain “particularly grim,” according to the United Nations. The battle shut down water supply, electricity, and telecommunications in the city of 270,000.

By The Numbers

200,000 People in Brazil’s Alagoas state that are suffering from water shortages. Drought has depleted the region’s water supply, prompting Alagoas to declare a 180-day state of emergency. Al Jazeera

96 percent Proportion of provinces in Yemen that are continue to experience high rates of cholera. As conflict in the country rages on, water and sanitation systems are growing worse, causing cholera, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases to spread. Al Jazeera

In context: HotSpots H2O, June 18: Yemen’s Water Supply Jeopardized Again in Battle for Hodeidah.

Science, Studies, And Reports

Scientists predict that extreme heatwaves and downpours will become more frequent in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia as greenhouse gas emissions appear to disrupt traditional wind patterns, causing weather extremes to “stall.” The authors of the study warn that the shifting weather conditions could be detrimental to crop production. Reuters

On The Radar

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) called for Fijians to cut back on water use as a lengthy dry spell impacts water supply in the island nation. WAF chairman Bhavesh Kumar said that reservoir levels are not currently critical, but officials are monitoring the situation closely. Radio New Zealand

Spotlight: India

Follow The Stream for daily coverage on India’s water crisis.

Kerala, India, continues to grapple with its worst monsoon flooding in a century. The death toll has reached 357 as of Monday evening, and officials estimate that the deluge has caused nearly $3 billion in infrastructure damage. The flooding has forced more than 350,000 people into shelters, where clean drinking water is currently the greatest need. Al Jazeera

Kayla Ritter

Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter