Barcelona is facing water shortages as Spain experiences one of its worst droughts in decades.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told parliament on Wednesday (19 April) that "drought is going to be one of the central political and territorial debates of our country over the coming years."

"This is clearly our responsibility, our duty, because the challenge we face from climate change and water stress is evident."

In the northeast of Spain, Catalonia’s 7.7 million residents are suffering the effects of 32 months of drought. Lack of rainfall is particularly bad in Barcelona where reservoirs are now running dry.

Authorities warned on Tuesday that the region is heading for a “drought emergency” in September unless forecasts for rain improve. It would mean even tighter restrictions on water use. READ further from the source above