The Stream, October 17: Danube River Drops to Record-Low in Budapest, Hungary

The Global Rundown

Water levels in the Danube river drop to record lows in Hungary. Long-term drinking water advisories continue to afflict indigenous communities in Canada. A recent study warns that earth could soon see similar conditions to the 1876-78 drought, a global disaster that left more than 50 million people dead. A private water tanker strike continues in Chennai, India. Many residents in Florida remain without water following Hurricane Michael. The governor of Utah declares a drought emergency for the entire state.

“The rainfall we have received helps, but the drought is at a level unseen for many years and will not be solved with a small series of storms. In some areas, the drought is at, or near, historic levels.” –Gary Herbert, Governor of Utah, in reference to the state’s ongoing dry spell. On Monday, Herbert issued an emergency drought declaration for the entire state. The Salt Lake Tribune

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

What’s Up With Water – October 15, 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: Water scarcity after Hurricane Michael, a rare drought in eastern Nepal, and water access in Iraq following ISIL control.

HotSpots H2O, October 15: Special Report on Yemen’s Water Crisis — Water and electrical infrastructure have been targeted repeatedly, leaving millions of Yemenis without clean water.

By The Numbers

0.49 meters Water level recorded in the Danube river in Budapest, Hungary, on Tuesday, setting a new record-low. The faltering water levels are affecting shipping. Reuters

69 Long-term drinking water advisories in place in indigenous communities across Canada. When Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister in 2015, he earmarked $2 billion to end long-term water advisories in the country. Although 71 advisories have been lifted in the past three years, an additional 35 have been added, leaving 69 total in effect. Progress has been hampered by red tape, insufficient funding, and other issues. The Washington Post

Science, Studies, And Reports

From 1875-78, natural climate variability caused the Great Drought, then the Great Famine, which left 50 million people dead across the globe. A new study by Washington State University warns that a similar event could be poised to take place. The study states the impact would be worsened by earth’s already-warming climate. Science Daily

On The Radar

Nearly a week after Hurricane Michael, many Florida residents are still without adequate water and sanitation. Along the coast, some water systems have been restored, but the water remains undrinkable. In rural, inland areas, water access is severely limited in many low-income communities. The state continues to distribute water, ice, and food to residents in need. Reuters

Spotlight: India

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

In Chennai, private water tankers, which supply more than half of the city’s water, have been on strike since Monday. In the meantime, Chennai’s government-owned Metrowater is allowing affected consumers to draw water at Metrowater filling points during late night hours. The Hindu

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