Tag Archives: Water Shortage

California Drought Covers 100% Of State

The entire state of California is in drought conditions.

In addition to the state being 100% in drought, the amount of area considered in “exceptional drought” is just over 58%.

Now, some residents are reporting that their taps have gone dry.

More than 500 households in Tulare County, California cannot receive any water through their taps.  They cannot shower, wash dishes or clothing or even wash their hands.

“We don’t have the money to move, and who would buy this house without water?” Angelica Gallegos told the New York Times. “When you wake up in the middle of the night sick to your stomach, you have to think about where the water bottle is before you can use the toilet.”

Some families have received relief from agencies that provided water tanks for the front yard of some homes.  However, residents like 54-year-old Yolanda Serrato know life has forever changed in her community.

“You don’t think of water as privilege until you don’t have it anymore,” Serrato told the Times. “We were very proud of making a life here for ourselves, for raising children here. We never ever expected to live this way.”

State officials confirmed to the Times at least 700 households have no water but admit there could be much more.

Hawaii Under Fire: Earthquake Precedes Hurricane Landfall

Hawaii, preparing for the landfall of Hurricane Iselle, was struck with a 4.5 magnitude earthquake Thursday morning.

The quake struck just off the northwest tip of the big island at a depth of 7.9 miles.  Hawaiian officials said there were no immediate reports of damage but that surveys were not a priority due to the pending arrival of Hurricane Iselle.

The hurricane is the first of two that could strike the islands before the end of the week. Hurricane Iselle will make landfall on the big island tonight around 8pm local time and Hurricane Julio could hit the islands two days later.

Forecasters say it’s possible that Julio will turn north and only the outer bands of the storm will strike the islands.

Hawaii has not been hit head-on by a hurricane in 22 years.  Residents have been stocking up on supplies and boarding up homes.  Water is reportedly being sold at multiple times regular price because of shortages throughout the islands.