Martinique: Drought alert triggered by worrying drop in water levels.
As the dry season begins, the prefecture of the French overseas island of Martinique declared a drought alert for the entire region on Thursday 10 April. The rains have failed to replenish the rivers. It is time for everyone to be vigilant and take responsibility.
The Prefect of Martinique has decided to place the entire island under drought alert this Thursday 10 April. The Mission interservices de l’eau et de la nature (MISEN) met on 3 April as a drought committee to take stock of the hydrological situation in Martinique.
The results were clear: despite a few rainy days in March, water resources continue to dwindle. “The decline in river flows is likely to continue and worsen if rainfall remains insufficient for a prolonged period”, the prefecture wrote in a press release.
Although weather forecasts predict a normal rainy season, the rainfall so far has not been enough to effectively replenish the rivers. Many rivers are now under stress, with the exception of a few basins such as the Capot (North Atlantic) and the Roxelane (North Caribbean).
The rivers most used for drinking water, such as the Rivière Blanche, the Galion, the Dumauzé and the Lézarde, are particularly affected. Their flow rates are insufficient to meet demand without endangering the natural environment.
A call for collective responsibility
This water alert means that all users must rigorously manage their water consumption. Here are the prefecture’s recommendations:
- limit secondary uses (car cleaning, outdoor washing, filling private swimming pools, etc.);
- reduce street and pavement washing to what is strictly necessary for public health;
- reduce domestic water consumption;
- water green areas and gardens sparingly;
- limit direct withdrawals from watercourses.
We need to encourage eco-actions such as
- Reusing rainwater
- Installing water-saving devices
- Avoid running water unnecessarily, especially when washing hands, teeth or dishes
- Use washing machines and dishwashers at full capacity
- Limit watering in the garden and use recycled rainwater where possible.
A collective challenge to prevent water shortages
In addition to everyday measures, the authorities are urging the public to report any leaks in the drinking water network to avoid unnecessary losses. Contact details for the relevant services are available from local authorities.
SAUR – Cap Nord, except the communes of Trinité and Le Robert 05 96 61 98 44 SME – CA Espace Sud & communes of Trinité and Le Robert 09 69 32 97 22 smeaux.fr/info-reseau/ Omijo application: www.omijo.app Odyssi – Cacem: 05 96 71 20 10 www.odyssi.fr/signalement/form
