The Stream, July 11: Dry Weather Kindles Wildfires In British Columbia

The Global Rundown

Hundreds of wildfires are burning in British Columbia, exacerbated by dry weather. Poor access to water and sanitation is creating a public health risk for those displaced by fighting in the Philippines. In Yemen, a cholera outbreak has surpassed 300,000 cases. The majority of source-water violations in cities along the Yangtze River have been addressed, according to China’s environment ministry. Nearly a month’s worth of rain fell in Paris during a 2-hour storm Sunday. Dubai is planning to spend billions of dollars on a new sewage system. Researchers found that dry conditions will likely persist in the Middle East for another 10,000 years.

“The displaced are living in public gymnasiums and classrooms. These are not places equipped to function as evacuation centers or temporary shelters. There are no appropriate sanitation facilities and access to clean water is limited.” –Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force Marawi, commenting on conditions faced by residents displaced during fighting in the Philippine city of Marawi. Officials warn that public health is at risk, and at least 31 deaths have been reported. (Deutsche Welle)

By The Numbers

220 active wildfires Number burning, as of Monday, in Canada’s British Columbia province, where a state of emergency has been declared. Hot, dry, and windy weather helped the fires spread, and similar conditions are expected to continue this week. CBC News

In context: California fire danger mounts in Sierra Nevada forests.

300,000 cholera cases Number now suspected in Yemen as an outbreak continues to expand, according to estimates released by the International Committee of the Red Cross. NPR

In context: Conflict pushes Yemen to brink of famine.

78.2 percent of the environmental violations flagged by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection last year at municipal drinking water sources along the Yangtze River Economic Belt have been resolved, according to the ministry. Xinhua

27 days worth of rain fell in Paris during a 2-hour period on Sunday, shutting down more than a dozen metro stations. The storm set a new record for July. BBC News

Science, Studies, And Reports

Dry conditions in the Middle East are unlikely to abate for at least 10,000 years, and long-term trends actually point to reduced precipitation, according to researchers at the University of Miami. Their findings are based on examining stalagmites, which preserve the region’s climate history. UPI

On The Radar

Construction on a new, $8.17 billion sewage tunnel system for Dubai will likely begin in 2019, according to the Emirates News Agency. The system aims to save the city money by reducing the cost of pumping sewage to wastewater treatment plants. Reuters