Catalonia declares state of emergency as region faces worst ever drought

The Catalonia region in Spain has declared a state of emergency due to its most severe drought on record. Starting Thursday, residents will face restrictions, including a ban on washing cars and filling empty swimming pools, aimed at addressing the crisis.

Over six million Catalans in 200 towns and cities, including Barcelona, will be impacted by the measures, prompted by reservoir levels dropping to around 16% of their capacity.

While Spain is no stranger to dry conditions, with drought affecting other regions like Andalusia in the south and Valencia in the east, Catalonia, bordering southern France, is unaccustomed to such circumstances. Authorities are even contemplating the possibility of bringing water by ship to Barcelona if supplies run critically low, a measure previously implemented in 2008.

Additional emergency measures will involve a significant reduction in water usage for crop farming and industrial purposes, along with a cap on daily water supplies per inhabitant.