The Stream, September 25, 2019: “Urgent Measures” Needed to Slow Mekong River Erosion, Vietnam Warns

The Global Rundown

“Urgent measures” are required to slow erosion along the Mekong River, says Vietnam. Bats in Australia are starving to death amid severe drought. Zimbabwe plans to reopen its closed water plant for a week. More than 10,000 vehicle flood claims are filed in Southeast Texas in the wake of Tropical Depression Imelda. The UK Environment Agency issues several flood warnings and alerts across England and Wales due to heavy rainfall. 

“The eroded areas are especially dangerous, directly affecting residential areas, administrative areas, education and healthcare facilities.” –A report by the state-owned Vietnam News Agency in reference to worsening erosion along the Mekong River. Six provinces in Vietnam have declared emergencies or closed off parts of the riverbank, and say they must take “urgent measures” to mitigate the erosion. Reuters

In context: One By One Big Hydropower Dams Disrupt Mekong River’s Free Flow. 

Latest WaterNews from Circle of Blue

What’s Up With Water – September 23, 2019 — This week’s edition of What’s Up With Water includes coverage on extreme water shortages in Australia, dam collapses in Brazil, and the effects of Tropical Depression Imelda. 

HotSpots H2O: Locals, Citing Water Concerns, Resist Mexico City Airport Plan — Mexico City’s indigenous residents are pushing back against the revised plan for expanding the megacity’s airport infrastructure. 

By The Numbers

10,000+ Vehicle flood insurance claims filed in Southeast Texas in the wake of Tropical Depression Imelda, which dumped torrential rains in Houston and surrounding areas. According to the Insurance Council of Texas, up to 80 percent of the vehicles will likely be totaled out. KHOU

27 Flood alerts issued across England, along with two flood warnings. Up to 48 millimeters (1.9 inches) of rain had been recorded in some areas as of Tuesday evening, and the precipitation is expected to disrupt transportation. The Guardian

Science, Studies, and Reports

Thousands of bats are starving to death in Australia due to ongoing drought, say environment officials. The death toll is rapidly increasing in parts of New South Wales and Queensland, the states that have been hit the hardest by drought. Ashley Fraser, a wildlife carer along Australia’s Gold Coast, says this is the largest starvation event her organization has witnessed. Phys.org 

On the Radar

After briefly closing the main water plant in Harare, Zimbabwe, officials say they were able to secure a week’s worth of treatment chemicals and will reopen the plant for that amount of time. The city has been grappling with months of water shortages and blackouts due to drought. Reuters

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