The Stream, June 19: India Faces “Worst-Ever” Water Crisis as 600 Million Experience Shortages

The Global Rundown

India is in the midst of its “worst-ever” water crisis, according to a report by a government think-tank. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits Japan, killing three and bursting water mains. Michigan considers loosening its rigid ballast water discharge rules for the Great Lakes. A new study predicts that more than 300,000 coastal homes in the U.S. will face frequent flooding in the next 30 years. Deadly flooding hits Assam, India, as the Brahmaputra River swells from heavy rainfall.

“Michigan is the center of the Great Lakes and should really be a leader in protections.” –Nick Occhipinti, government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, in reference to potential changes in Michigan’s ballast water rules. New legislation, which was approved by the state Legislature this week, proposes that Michigan relax its rigid ballast water discharge rules. Environmentalists are calling on Michigan governor Rick Snyder to veto the bill, fearing it would allow invasive species to infiltrate the Great Lakes more easily. The Detroit News

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By The Numbers

40 percent Proportion of India’s population that will have no access to clean drinking water by 2030, according to new report by government think-tank Niti Aayog. Currently, 600 million Indians are facing severe water stress amid the country’s “worst-ever” water crisis. The situation is expected to worsen as major cities deplete their groundwater over the next few years. Al Jazeera

In context: Choke Point: India.

3 Number of people killed in a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that rocked Osaka, Japan, on Monday. The quake toppled infrastructure, halted factory lines, and caused water mains to burst across the city. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

New research by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) warns that up to 311,000 U.S. coastal homes could face flooding 26 times each year over the next 30 years. The study predicts that the frequent coastal flooding will disrupt the housing market and cause a sharp increase in flood insurance premiums. The Guardian

On The Radar

Torrential monsoon rains are causing high river levels and deadly flash floods in northeast India. In recent days, flooding has killed 23 people in the state of Assam, India, and affected a total of 450,000 people. River levels remain dangerously high in the region. India Today

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