Drought Expands Across England, Afghanistan Threatening Water, Agriculture

England is facing an expanding drought crisis with more regions officially declared in drought following prolonged dry weather and record heatwaves. The National Drought Group has confirmed drought status for the West and East Midlands, joining previously affected areas such as Yorkshire and the North West, with further drought declarations expected for regions including Thames, East Anglia, and parts of the South by September. Water companies are implementing measures such as hosepipe bans, leak repairs, and demand management, while the public is urged to use water wisely to conserve dwindling supplies amid reservoir levels falling to critical lows. The Environment Agency warns that without significant rainfall, additional drought measures will be necessary and that climate change and increased water use are exacerbating the situation. Concurrently, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization highlights severe drought impacts in Afghanistan's northern provinces, where crop failures and water shortages are pushing rural communities toward collapse. Both crises underscore the urgent need for coordinated water management and conservation efforts to mitigate environmental and humanitarian consequences.