The new measures, which take effect today, include a prohibition on washing cars and watering public gardens, except for the use of recycled water, and a limit of 200 litres per day per person.

Around 160 of the gentle giants perished in a matter of weeks in the country’s Hwange national park, which did not experience a single drop of rain between February and November 2023.

The tragic deaths occurred in Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange National Park, due to an extended dry season, which wildlife authorities attributed to climate change.

Huge container ships attempting to cross the channel – which is one of the world’s most important trade routes – are experiencing delays of up to four weeks as water levels continue to fall.