Netherlands declares drought as heat wave lowers river levels

Extended heat and a lack of rain have caused river levels in the Netherlands to drop sharply, prompting the government to declare an official drought. Drone footage taken at the entrance of the Meertje section of the Waal River near Nimeche shows floating houses leaning and doors opening on their own as the water recedes. Residents note that while low water levels occur each summer, this year the decline appeared earlier. The drought does not affect drinking water supplies, but it is expected to create navigation problems because water boards will operate sluices less frequently to limit seawater intrusion into inland waterways. According to Reuters Climate Monitor, temperatures are about 4.5 °C above the seasonal norm.