Emma Hardy

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UK declares severe drought across six southern counties

Leading the government's drought response

Severe drought remains in force across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex, declared on October 15 after the driest April-to-September in more than a century. Water company chief executives were called before the National Drought Group to explain how they are protecting supplies.

Updated Oct 21

Notable Quotes

This level of drought is something we have not experienced for decades, so this government is stepping up our support and planning.

from UK declares severe drought across six southern counties · Updated Oct 21

It's encouraging that these efforts are starting to ease the pressure on public supplies, but water companies must continue to step up their efforts, and we will keep holding them to account.

from UK declares severe drought across six southern counties · Updated Oct 21