It's a feeble drip, drip, drip from the taps every night in Tunisia for six months. Spigots are cut off for seven hours from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. in a state-ordered water rationing in most regions across the country, including Tunis, the capital city.
Tunisians are on the front lines of a battle against an increasingly severe drought, now in its fifth year in the north African country, with the government issuing a sudden order to its population to ration their water usage from April to September -- or risk fines or jail.Households now need a supply of bottled water to wash, use toilets and prepare meals during late night hours.
Human-caused climate change, which is burning up the planet, has made droughts worldwide more likely, with higher-than-average temperatures drying up land and altering rainfall patterns. Drought has also plagued Tunisia in the past, historically devastating farmland and olive groves. The country is already in the midst of an economic crisis. Talks with the International Monetary Fund for a $1.9 billion loan agreement to help finance the state stalled late last year amid Tunisia's political tensions.
Ramadan is nearly over, but summer and the start of tourist season will turn up the heat. Tourism is a major source of income for Tunisia, with the country of about 12 million people boasting around 850 hotels.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto opens some of its washrooms and water fountains early this seasonMore than two dozen seasonal washrooms and fountains in Toronto’s public parks are now open for the season.
Read more »
Water levels along the Ottawa River to surge this weekWater levels along the Ottawa River are expected to rise this week, leading to flooding in several areas. Conservation authorities say levels will remain below historic flooding levels seen in 2019. ottnews
Read more »
Suncor reports release of water from sediment pond on Fort Hills oil sands mine in AlbertaIn a note to area First Nations, the Alberta Energy Regulator says the water is from a pond used to settle suspended solids in surface water collected from parts of the site that haven’t been mined
Read more »
Goulais River water levels begin to fall: Hydrometric dataSevere flooding in Goulais this week has left some roadways inaccessible while several houses near the riverbank have become surrounded by water
Read more »
Water released from sediment pond at Fort Hills oilsands mine, Suncor saysSuncor is reporting the release of six million litres of water that exceeded guidelines for sediment from a pond at its Fort Hills mine.
Read more »