More int'l news in brief

Antigua grapples with severe water shortage

ST JOHN'S, CMC

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has embarked on a water-rationing programme after indicating that the main reservoir has approximately six weeks of water supply left.

APUA said that decreasing surface water reserves have forced it to reduce the volume of water distributed to consumers, and warned that the service would be "depressed islandwide from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. (local time) daily until water conditions improve".

The utility company said that Antigua had received " a lower than average rainfall during 2013 and is currently experiencing its dry season".

"APUA would like to once again remind consumers of the gravity of this situation and asks that all citizens practise conservation to the best of their ability," it added.

APUA manager Ivan Rodrigues, speaking on the Observer Radio here, said that the island has passed the drought-watch stage and that, as the dry season persists, residents must change their water-consumption habits "from one of waste to one of conservation".

"No rainfall is expected within this period. We have been getting some drizzle, but not the gut showers that are needed," he added .

Lawsuit filed against NYC property tax system

NEW YORK (AP):

A class-action suit claims New York City's (NYC) property tax system unfairly discriminates against blacks and Hispanics living in rental buildings.

The suit, filed on Wednesday in Manhattan state Supreme Court, alleges the system favours owners of co-ops, condos and single-family homes.

It was filed by Newman Ferrara LLP, a real-estate law firm with a civil rights practice.

The suit challenges the system on constitutional grounds. It doesn't seek money damages.

It also says the system violates the anti-discrimination provisions of the Federal Fair Housing Act.

The city says it will review the lawsuit.

Bermuda impacted by several inches of rainfall

HAMILTON (CMC):

Forecasters say more than seven inches of rain has fallen in soggy Bermuda so far this month, the wettest February in 18 years.

They warn that there's still more rain to come.

A total of 7.4 inches of rain has fallen so far this month, bringing the yearly total to 13.37 inches compared to the normal 9.77 inches, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.

The Fire Service says it has responded to 28 calls of flooding this month, ranging from alarms triggered by water in electrical detectors, two cases of walls collapsing and flooding properties, and several houses with water damage ranging from two to five inches high, which had to be pumped clear.

Government environmental engineer Geoff Smith said rainfall for February had varied in recent decades from just one inch to 8.5 inches in 1996.

"The two days of very high rainfall this month included the night of the 13th to the 14th, where a collective 3.2 inches of rain fell, in addition to a collective 2.1 inches over February 23 to 24," Smith said.

"For ground that is already relatively saturated, these events caused some flooding to some households and businesses."

Last year's total rainfall was five inches over the annual average of 57 inches, and the wet start to 2014 has helped to address the below-average rainfall received in 2010 through 2012, he added.