Kenya During the ongoing drought, low water
levels have reduced hdro-electric power and necessitated power rationing.
Large diesel electric generators are being installed to bolster the electricity
supply in the region and reduce the need for rationing. The Kenya Power and Lighting Company has blamed drought conditions
for approximately 20 million USD in
losses/increased costs. (PMA)
Tajikistan The water level in the reservoir at Norak hydro-electric
power station was reported to be an unprecedented 8 meters
below average for the current time of year, fueling fears of power shortages
this winter. A government resolution was
issued limiting the use of power. Tajikistan is also facing a projected
300,000 metric ton food shortage.
1.9 million people are believed to be severely affected by the continued
drought conditions.(PMA)
Uzbekistan The Karakalpakstan region, just south of the Aral Sea, has
been particularly hard hit by drought conditions and
faces possible food shortages in the
coming winter. More than a third of Uzbekistan's 24 million population are
suffering from drought which has led
to crop failures and shortages of drinking water. The Aral Sea - the world's
4th largest inland body of water - has receded
hundreds of miles since the 1960's mainly due to diversion of water for
agricultural purposes. (Reuters)
Turkey Drought conditions have led to the lowest water levels at
hydro-electric plants in 10 years. The Turkish Prime Minister
announced a number of power saving measures to decrease demand for electricity. The current drought has added to
an already serious power shortage in Turkey due to the county's growing energy demand and a lack of investments in the
energy sector. (PMA)
Agriculture
United States According to Texas A&M economists, the drought in Texas has caused over 1.1 billion USD in damage
to state agriculture so far this year. Losses to cotton are estimated at 485 million alone. Heavy rainfall at the end of
October helped to ease the drought situation across much of the state. (AP)
Georgia OCHA reported that the drought in eastern regions has damaged a significant portion of the wheat and sunflower crops,
as well as winter pasturelands. (CIP, OCHA)
Europe Heavy rains persisted through the month in south-central Europe, stalling summer crop harvesting and delaying winter grain planting. (JAWF)
Bangladesh The heavy rains have washed off a quarter of the
transplanted 'Aman' paddy crop. (Independent News)
Fisheries
Peru Catch of small pelagics off the coast of Peru for the first
three weeks of
October remained minimal due to the continuation of normal
seasonal
restrictions on fishing. Statistics for the last week have
not been
reported, although rumor is that catches are high and
comprised of a large
percentage of adults. (FEO)
Bangladesh Heavy rains have resulted in severe losses in
both inland and coastal fisheries.
Reports indicate that 792 shrimp nurseries and hatcheries have been
washed away. (Independent News)