Global water resources face extreme instability from droughts and floods

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports significant hydrological imbalances across Africa, characterized by extreme contrasts between flooding and drought. While basins such as the Senegal, Niger, Lake Chad, Orange, and Limpopo have seen flows above historical norms, others like the Nile, Congo, and Zambezi have experienced critically low levels. These fluctuations threaten agriculture, hydroelectric power, fishing, and general water security.

In France, the Vendée department is facing a critical water shortage. Following an exceptionally hot summer and prolonged lack of rainfall, the public operator Vendée Eau has issued an urgent call for water conservation. With 92% of the region's drinking water sourced from reservoirs, average filling rates have dropped to a historic low of 34%. Current reserves are projected to last only until December, prompting calls to elevate the regional alert level to a crisis status to enforce stricter restrictions.