Environment Minister László Gajdos announced that 66 of Hungary's 84 water management districts have exceeded the drought thresholds set by national regulations. As a result, emergency measures are now being introduced across around 74% of the country.

The response will be coordinated by the National Water Management Directorate, with experts implementing drought defence measures aimed at protecting water resources, supporting agriculture where possible, and helping to reduce the environmental impact of the prolonged dry spell.

The emergency alert activates Hungary's highest level of drought preparedness, allowing water authorities to deploy additional pumps, accelerate water transfers through canals and introduce other emergency interventions where needed. 

The special measures are intended to safeguard essential drinking water supplies, public health and environmentally sensitive areas.

Hungary has experienced months of exceptionally low rainfall combined with repeated heatwaves, leaving rivers, lakes and groundwater levels under increasing pressure. 

A significant rainfall deficit has built up over recent years, while soil moisture and groundwater levels remain well below normal across large parts of the country. 

Lake Velence has reached critically low levels, while sections of the Danube and Tisza are also suffering from unusually low water levels.

Water management experts say the current response forms part of a broader strategy that focuses on retaining more water in reservoirs and floodplains rather than allowing it to drain away quickly. The approach is intended to improve Hungary's resilience to increasingly frequent and severe droughts.

The emergency alert enables authorities to mobilise additional resources and accelerate interventions as forecasts suggest hot, dry weather is likely to continue in the coming days.

MTI Stock Photo

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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