LONDON: The United Kingdom has introduced emergency measures amid severe drought conditions and growing concerns over water shortages, with restrictions imposed on water usage across several areas.
According to reports, more than 20 million people in the UK have been affected by restrictions on the use of garden hoses, including residents in London.
Authorities have banned the use of hoses for watering gardens, washing vehicles, and filling swimming pools as part of efforts to conserve water supplies.
Violators of the hosepipe restrictions could face fines of up to £1,000, officials said. The measures come after prolonged heatwaves and below-average rainfall placed significant pressure on water reservoirs.
Several regions, including the Thames Valley, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Devon, Cornwall, Wessex, and West Midlands, have been affected by drought conditions.
Experts warned that if rainfall does not return soon, the water shortage could worsen, creating serious impacts on agriculture, the environment, and daily life.