France, April 21 -- The prefecture of Guadeloupe has placed Grande-Terre, the eastern half of the territory, and the island of Desirade under a drought alert, with water use restrictions to allow for the continued supply of drinking water.

In an order issued on Friday, the prefecture described an "observed deterioration over several weeks of groundwater levels in Grande-Terre", along with "chronic problems linked to the malfunctioning of the drinking water distribution network".

This puts about half of Guadeloupe under strict water use restrictions, applicable to individuals, businesses and farmers, with particular prohibitions against filling or emptying personal swimming pools, washing cars at home, cleaning driveways or terraces with...