Keywords: Drought


Garonne River faces critical water shortage as France considers tougher restrictions

French authorities are considering tougher water-use restrictions along the Garonne River as persistent drought conditions continue to strain one of the country's most important waterways. According to Jean-Michel Fabre, president of the Établissement Public Territorial de Bassin de la Garonne,......

Wildfires force hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in France and Spain

Massive wildfires have forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes across France and Spain, as firefighters struggle to contain rapidly spreading flames amid extreme heat, dry conditions and strong winds. Some of the most severe fires have been reported in southwestern France and......

French firefighters fight wildfires threatening Bordeaux as heatwave intensifies

Firefighters in France are working to contain wildfires threatening areas around Bordeaux, as authorities continue evacuating residents amid a severe summer heatwave and worsening drought conditions. The fires affecting southwestern France have forced local authorities to move increasing numbers of......

Africa faces up to $20 billion economic loss as ‘super’ El Niño threatens climate crisis

A potentially severe El Niño weather event could cause economic losses of between $10 billion and $20 billion across affected African countries and intensify migration pressures, according to the climate chief of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Speaking to Reuters, the bank’s top climate......

Guadeloupe faces double water crisis as drought and pollution disrupt daily life

Guadeloupe is facing a severe water crisis this summer, with residents experiencing repeated drinking water cuts while authorities also restrict access to some bathing areas due to pollution risks linked to sanitation problems. The French Caribbean territory is dealing with a combination of persistent......

Europe faces worsening weather extremes as wildfires, heat and storms spread

Europe is facing another wave of extreme weather events as intense heat, severe drought conditions and unpredictable storms continue to affect several countries. From devastating wildfires in Spain and France to warnings of powerful hailstorms in the Balkans, authorities are struggling to respond to......

France unveils €438 million forest investment plan to tackle wildfires and climate risks

The French government is preparing to launch a new national forest strategy backed by €438 million in funding, reinforcing efforts to protect woodlands increasingly threatened by wildfires, drought and the broader impacts of climate change. The initiative, expected to be officially presented on......

France’s earliest grape harvest begins as heat and drought accelerate vine growth

The 2026 grape harvest season has begun earlier than ever recorded in parts of southern France, as persistent heat and drought conditions accelerate the ripening process and push vineyards into an unprecedented timeline. In the Aude department, winemaker Laurent Maynadier began harvesting Muscat petits......

Netherlands raises water shortage alert as drought conditions intensify

The Netherlands has officially raised its national water shortage alert after authorities confirmed that the country has entered a period of actual water scarcity, prompting closer coordination among water management agencies and preparations for additional conservation measures. The decision follows......