A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights the growing threat of extreme weather, with more frequent heavy rains and severe droughts expected globally. Only a third of global water reservoirs maintained normal levels in 2024, with significant droughts affecting regions like South America and southern Africa, while central Africa and parts of Asia experienced unusually wet conditions.
WMO Report Warns of Increasing Floods and Droughts Worldwide
WMO Report Warns of Increasing Floods and Droughts Worldwide
More frequent heavy rains and extended periods of severe drought are what the world can expect, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Only a third of global water reservoirs were considered 'normal' in 2024. The rest had water levels either above or below normal, as stated in the State of Global Water Resources report.
Reservoirs in the Amazon and other parts of South America, as well as southern Africa, suffered from severe drought last year. Meanwhile, it was wetter than usual in central Africa, parts of Asia, and Central Europe.
"Water binds our societies, supports our economies, and anchors our ecosystems. Yet, the world's water systems are threatened by water-related risks that significantly impact our lives," says Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of WMO, in a press release.
The report shows that in the past six years, only a third of the world's rivers had normal flows, compared to the average between 1991 and 2020.
Severe flooding occurred in places like Niger, Lake Chad, and Lake Volta in Ghana. Nearly all of the 75 largest lakes in the world where temperatures were measured were warmer or much warmer than normal in July.
According to the UN, about 3.6 billion people worldwide have poor access to water for at least one month each year.