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One of the largest lakes in Taiwan dries up

The parched bed of Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan in late April. The country is going through one of the worst droughts in decades.Photo:AP

 

The World Daily | News Desk           MAY  19th   2021

 

The Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan is literally disappearing in front of your eyes. All thanks to the drought, the worst in over half a century. There is very little rainfall and the situation is made worse by extremely high temperatures.

 

One of the largest lakes in Taiwan, known for its light blue water, has started to dry up.

The changes taking place at Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County are the result of record-breaking drought. According to the government, it is one of the worst natural disasters of its kind to hit the island.

Tourists who visit the area are shocked by the view.

"I've seen reports and photos, but always thought it was a small part of the lake," said Deng, 22, a tourist. "Now I realize how severe the drought is," she added.

Those who work in the local tourism industry complain that the plight of the second-largest reservoir in Taiwan is having a huge impact on business.

 

"The worst drought in 56 years has already damaged port equipment and affected tourism," said Wang, an entrepreneur.

The island was not hit directly by any rain-rich typhoon last year, reducing water resources. Also this year, Taiwan experienced little rainfall and forecasts for the coming months are not optimistic. The matter is also complicated by the extremely high temperature for May. In some parts of the island, they reach around 40 degrees Celsius.

The drought also exacerbated the problems related to the energy sector. In one week there were at least two major power cuts across the island. As companies explain, hydropower plants are not able to work at full capacity, hence the insufficient amount of energy for the inhabitants.

 

© The World Daily 2021 | News Desk

 

 

Categories:
Environment
Tags:
TaiwanDroughtsNatural Disasters