Colombia's capital Bogota will start rationing water this week to alleviate an ongoing drought. Watch in for more details!

Colombian capital Bogota to ration water as reservoirs hit critical lows

In a remarkable spectacle, a stunning 16th-century Catholic church has emerged from the depths of the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir in Mexico, capturing the awe of locals as the region faces an intense drought. Known as the Temple of Santiago, this stone structure, typically visible partially during periods of low water levels, now stands fully exposed, presenting a challenge to the livelihoods of the nearby fishing community, reported the Daily Mail.

Constructed by a group of monks led by Friar Bartolome de la Casas, the Temple of Santiago found its place in the Quechula locality within the Chiapas region. Originally lost to the reservoir waters in 1966 during flooding, the church has resurfaced due to the drastic&nbsp;drop in water levels caused by the ongoing drought. With walls towering up to 30 feet, the structure spans an impressive 183 feet in length and 42 feet in width. Its bell tower reaches a height of 48 feet, proudly overlooking the grounds of the Temple of Quechula.

Despite spending years submerged, the ancient church has remarkably retained its intricate architectural features. Delicate arches gracefully stretch over the entrance, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship.

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Aerial view of the Temple of Quechula church emerging from the Malpaso Dam after water levels dropped due to the drought in Nuevo Quechula, Chiapas. Picture credits: AFP

The handcrafted bricks and ornamental designs have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Architect Carlos Navarete, who collaborated with Mexican authorities on a report about the structure, revealed that the church was abandoned due to widespread plagues that ravaged the area between 1773 and 1776.

The Temple of Santiago was closely associated with the nearby Tecpatan monastery, established in 1564. Navarrete suggests that the church and the monastery share architectural similarities, indicating they may have been built by the same hands around the same time. Its strategic location on the King's Highway, a road constructed by Spanish conquistadors and in use until the 20th century, further elevated its significance in the past.

Also watch |&nbsp;Heatwave pushes temperatures up to 45°C in parts of Mexico

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<h2>Exposed stone structure endangers fishing community</h2>

As the waters receded, exposing the church fully,&nbsp;visitors are thronging the site,&nbsp;now accessible by boat and by foot. However, the exposed church poses a grave threat to the local fishing community, as the Nezahualcoyotl Reservoir has dwindled&nbsp;to a mere 29 per cent of its capacity. The livelihoods of fishermen are at stake, with reduced water levels impacting their ability to sustain themselves and their families.

Local tilapia farmer Darinel Gutiérrez told AFP that the water began to drop too much about five months ago and has already gone beyond ordinary.

'What do I support my family with? Right now, I have nothing,' he said.

The resurfacing of the Temple of Santiago serves as a poignant reminder of Mexico's escalating drought crisis. In March, Mexico issued an alarm about the drought, attributing it to insufficient rainfall over several years, resulting in water scarcity. The country's vulnerability to droughts is amplified by the fact that 52 per cent of its territory falls within arid or semi-arid climates. Over the past decade, droughts have become more frequent, intense, and prolonged, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities dependent on water resources.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-foreign-minister-and-mexico-citys-mayor-resign-to-run-for-2024-presidential-elections-603671">Mexico’s foreign minister and Mexico City’s mayor resign to run for 2024 presidential elections</a>

As locals marvel at the resurfaced church's architectural beauty, the sight also underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable regions. While the Temple of Santiago has reemerged from its watery depths, the situation serves as a poignant metaphor for the ongoing struggle faced by communities grappling with water scarcity in an increasingly unpredictable world.

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In a remarkable spectacle, a stunning 16th-century Catholic church has emerged from the depths of the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir in Mexico, capturing the awe of locals as the region faces an intense drought.

In a remarkable spectacle, a stunning 16th-century Catholic church has emerged from the depths of the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir in Mexico, capturing the awe of locals as the region faces an intense drought. Known as the Temple of Santiago, this stone structure, typically visible partially during periods of low water levels, now stands fully exposed, presenting a challenge to the livelihoods of the nearby fishing community, reported the Daily Mail. Constructed by a group of monks led by Friar Bartolome de la Casas, the Temple of Santiago found its place in the Quechula locality within the Chiapas region. Originally lost to the reservoir waters in 1966 during flooding, the church has resurfaced due to the drastic drop in water levels caused by the ongoing drought. With walls towering up to 30 feet, the structure spans an impressive 183 feet in length and 42 feet in width. Its bell tower reaches a height of 48 feet, proudly overlooking the grounds of the Temple of Quechula. Despite spending years submerged, the ancient church has remarkably retained its intricate architectural features. Delicate arches gracefully stretch over the entrance, showcasing its detailed craftsmanship. Aerial view of the Temple of Quechula church emerging from the Malpaso Dam after water levels dropped due to the drought in Nuevo Quechula, Chiapas. Picture credits: AFP The handcrafted bricks and ornamental designs have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Architect Carlos Navarete, who collaborated with Mexican authorities on a report about the structure, revealed that the church was abandoned due to widespread plagues that ravaged the area between 1773 and 1776. The Temple of Santiago was closely associated with the nearby Tecpatan monastery, established in 1564. Navarrete suggests that the church and the monastery share architectural similarities, indicating they may have been built by the same hands around the same time. Its strategic location on the King's Highway, a road constructed by Spanish conquistadors and in use until the 20th century, further elevated its significance in the past. Also watch | Heatwave pushes temperatures up to 45°C in parts of Mexico Exposed stone structure endangers fishing community As the waters receded, exposing the church fully, visitors are thronging the site, now accessible by boat and by foot. However, the exposed church poses a grave threat to the local fishing community, as the Nezahualcoyotl Reservoir has dwindled to a mere 29 per cent of its capacity. The livelihoods of fishermen are at stake, with reduced water levels impacting their ability to sustain themselves and their families. Local tilapia farmer Darinel Gutiérrez told AFP that the water began to drop too much about five months ago and has already gone beyond ordinary. 'What do I support my family with? Right now, I have nothing,' he said. The resurfacing of the Temple of Santiago serves as a poignant reminder of Mexico's escalating drought crisis. In March, Mexico issued an alarm about the drought, attributing it to insufficient rainfall over several years, resulting in water scarcity. The country's vulnerability to droughts is amplified by the fact that 52 per cent of its territory falls within arid or semi-arid climates. Over the past decade, droughts have become more frequent, intense, and prolonged, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities dependent on water resources. Also read | Mexico’s foreign minister and Mexico City’s mayor resign to run for 2024 presidential elections As locals marvel at the resurfaced church's architectural beauty, the sight also underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable regions. While the Temple of Santiago has reemerged from its watery depths, the situation serves as a poignant metaphor for the ongoing struggle faced by communities grappling with water scarcity in an increasingly unpredictable world. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Locals left stunned as 16th-century church emerges from dried up Mexican reservoir

A Chhattisgarh government official was demoted on Friday, May 26, after it was discovered that he had drained a reservoir over the course of two days, beginning on May 2, in order to look for a new phone. The Samsung S23 super phone, which costs Rs 95,000, belongs to Rajesh Vishwas, 32, a food inspector in the state's Kanker district in the town of Pakhanjur.

Officer in India drops phone while taking selfie, drains reservoir to find it, probe on

Spain is launching an inquiry against a power company for draining water reservoirs just when the country is in the grips of a heatwave and drought. Iberdrola, the company, is facing flak for draining dams in Zamora and Caceras provinces to make electricity in order to gain profit from exceptionally high electricity prices.

Spain is currently experiencing high temperatures. Some regions of the country have recorded temperatures as high as 47 degrees Celsius. And it is partly why the profiteering action of the company has drawn attention.

Spain's minister for ecological transition Teresa Ribera has written to the company. She has described the company's actions as scandalous. In a televised interview, Ribera said that what the company did should not have been allowed to happen.

“Water is a scarce resource which is just as important for the wellbeing of families and the economy as it is for generating electricity,” she was quoted as saying by The Guardian

Ribera said that the company's actions were irresponsible but it was not illegal as the company was allowed to use a fixed quantity of water any time of the year irrespective of climatic conditions.

Both the reservoirs are away from the sea and were popular for swimming and boating especially during heatwaves. They have been reported to have desert-like conditions now.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain is launching an inquiry against a power company for draining water reservoirs just when the country is in the grips of a heatwave and drought. Iberdrola, the company, is facing flak for draining dams in Zamora and Caceras provinces to make electricity in order to gain profit from exceptionally high electricity prices.

Spain is launching an inquiry against a power company for draining water reservoirs just when the country is in the grips of a heatwave and drought. Iberdrola, the company, is facing flak for draining dams in Zamora and Caceras provinces to make electricity in order to gain profit from exceptionally high electricity prices. Spain is currently experiencing high temperatures. Some regions of the country have recorded temperatures as high as 47 degrees Celsius. And it is partly why the profiteering action of the company has drawn attention. Spain's minister for ecological transition Teresa Ribera has written to the company. She has described the company's actions as scandalous. In a televised interview, Ribera said that what the company did should not have been allowed to happen. “Water is a scarce resource which is just as important for the wellbeing of families and the economy as it is for generating electricity,” she was quoted as saying by The Guardian Ribera said that the company's actions were irresponsible but it was not illegal as the company was allowed to use a fixed quantity of water any time of the year irrespective of climatic conditions. Both the reservoirs are away from the sea and were popular for swimming and boating especially during heatwaves. They have been reported to have desert-like conditions now. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain: Power company under probe for deliberately draining reservoir for profits during heatwave

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