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Australian cattle are suffering with drought in the northwest of the country. Photo taken on July 20, 2018 in New South Wales. REUTERS / David Gray
Europe is not the only one to experience stifling weeks. On the opposite side, a drought of rare intensity burns Australian crops, decimates herds and plunges farmers into serious financial difficulties. The New South Wales region is particularly affected.
Showers of up to three minutes. No more than two laundry a week. In some areas, people have no choice. In July, barely 10 millimeters of rain fell in New South Wales. There is not a drop of water, and the weather forecast is alarming. Nothing before early November.
Drought is endangering an entire economy. Farmers can not water the fields anymore. Impossible to water the cattle. Some farms are forced to kill part of their livestock. Farmers are on the verge of a break, while the suicide rate in this sector is already one of the highest in the country.
The government's response: an allocation of 7,500 euros for the 20,000 victims, for a total of 150 million euros. " It's not enough and it's too late, " say the victims.
How to get out? Drilling is underway to find new water tables. If that is not enough, water will have to be delivered by truck from neighboring areas. In the meantime, everyone rolls their eyes, hoping it's raining.