Dutch Glasshouse Sector Faces €150 Million Loss from Sprinkler Ban as Drought Worsens
A severe drought is gripping parts of Europe and Asia, triggering water-use bans that threaten agriculture in the Netherlands, disrupting river transport and industry in Germany, and contributing to a rising heat-related death toll in South Korea.
Dutch Glasshouse Industry Hit by Sprinkler Ban
Glasshouse operators in the Dutch Westland region face a sprinkler ban starting Wednesday that could cost the industry around €150 million over two to three weeks, with no exemption granted by the Delfland water authority. [1] All sluice gates in the Delfland region have been closed to protect drinking water from saltwater contamination, and inspectors will enforce the ban after companies were given until midnight Tuesday to fill reservoirs. [1] These measures are urgently needed to prevent irreversible damage happening, according to a spokesman for the water board. [1] The glasshouse owners have been given until midnight on Tuesday to fill their reservoirs. [1] Glastuinbouw Nederland, which represents the industry, said a two to three-week ban would cost companies around €150 million. [1] It has asked the water board if companies can spray their crops with purified waste water or seawater. [1] Almost any water is better than no water, a spokesman for the industry group said. [1]
Low River Levels Disrupt German Economy and Transport
Germany’s rivers are at historically low levels, disrupting river cruises, increasing transport costs, and pressuring industry, with economists warning of wider economic effects if the drought persists. [2] Germany’s rivers are running at exceptionally low levels, disrupting river cruises, pushing up transport costs and putting pressure on industry. [2] Economists warn the effects could spread further if the drought continues. [2]
Drought-induced low water levels disrupt river transport and industry in Germany. — Source: thelocal-germany
South Korea’s Heat Wave Claims 21 Lives
South Korea has recorded 21 heat-related deaths this year amid an intense heat wave, with 2,441 emergency-room visits since mid-May; this year’s death toll already exceeds last year’s total of 20. [5] A total of 21 people have died from heat-related illnesses in South Korea so far this year as the country grapples with intense heat, health authorities said Wednesday. [5] A total of 2,441 patients have visited emergency rooms for heat-related conditions as of Tuesday since mid-May, when authorities launched the heat-related illness surveillance system, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. [5] Although fewer people suffered heat-related illnesses this year than during the same period last year, more people died this year, with the death toll surpassing last year's total of 20. [5] One of the latest fatalities was a 60-year-old man, who was working outside on a farm in the county of Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, on Tuesday. [5] Among the patients reported this year, heat exhaustion accounted for 61.7 percent, followed by heat stroke at 16.8 percent and heat cramps at 11.5 percent. [5] The state weather agency issued additional serious heat wave warnings for the greater Seoul area earlier in the day, placing 43 percent of the region under the highest alert level. [5] Temperatures in Seoul are expected to reach up to 39 C on Thursday, according to the agency. [5]
Fire Danger Escalates in U.S. West and Northern Plains
Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings have been issued in parts of Montana and Colorado due to low humidity, high winds, and rapid fire-spread potential. [3] A Fire Weather Watch covers the Fort Peck Reservation and Daniels/Roosevelt/Sheridan Counties. [3] Winds are northwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. [3] Humidity is as low as 10 percent south of the Missouri River, and as low as 20 percent near the Canadian Border. [3] Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. [3] Outdoor burning is not recommended. [3] A Red Flag Warning covers the Colorado River Headwaters. [4] The affected area includes Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters and Fire Weather Zone 293 Gunnison Basin Forecast Area. [4] Timing runs from 1 PM this afternoon to 8 PM MDT this evening. [4] Winds are west 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. [4] Relative humidity is 8 to 13 percent. [4] Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. [4] Outdoor burning is not recommended. [4]
Broader Regional Measures and Concerns
A ban on drawing water is also in force in parts of the Brabantse Delta region, around Breda. [1] The ban, which initially covered the hours from 9am to 9pm, was extended last week to 24 hours and include fruit growers, who were previously exempt. [1] On the island of Terschelling, off the coast of Friesland, sheep have been banned from grazing and inspections of dykes have been stepped up amid concerns that the drought is causing cracks to appear. [1]
What to watch next: Glasshouse operators continue seeking permission to use alternative water sources such as purified waste water or seawater while inspectors enforce compliance across the Delfland region.
