Hungary's heat record tumbled on Tuesday, with 42C measured in Szecseny and temperatures exceeding 40C across most of the country, so a third-level heat alert remains in force, Magyar said.

The government and the disaster management national directorate are in continuous contact with the organisations and authorities involved in the response, he added.

He recalled that over the past two days, people have been asked to save water due to the extreme heat and thanked them for their cooperation and thrift.

Magyar said a third-level water restriction has had to be introduced in 120 settlements in Pest, Nograd and Komarom-Esztergom counties, the entire service area of the Danube Regional Waterworks. In some parts of settlements, water utilities may also restrict water supply to preserve the system's functionality.

Several settlements have taken steps to secure water supply due to pipe bursts and backbone line faults. In Decs, water had to be provided for some 3,700 people, while in Boldogasszonyfa and Szentlaszlo, drinking water was supplied by tankers, and the military delivered an additional 20,000 bags of drinking water to Szada, he said.

In the Urom area, reservoir water levels are rising slowly, but the situation can only be stabilised if everyone uses tap water responsibly in the coming days, Magyar stressed.

He urgently asked everyone not to water gardens, fill pools, or wash cars over the next two days, and to postpone any water use that could wait a few days.

"We are deploying every available resource, but basic services can only be guaranteed through national unity," he said.

Turning to transport, Magyar said speed restrictions are in force on 22 railway lines and 3 suburban lines, and 24 Stadler trains have become inoperable as they were designed for a maximum operating temperature of 35C, while older rolling stock is coping better with the extreme heat.

MAV is in continuous consultation with Stadler to find a technical solution to the problem, he said, adding that in the meantime, they are trying to ensure replacements for the failed vehicles with other rolling stock or replacement buses.

The prime minister especially thanked firefighters, water management experts, soldiers, disaster management, paramedics, police, local government workers, and civilians for their selfless work.

Magyar asked air-conditioned facilities, churches, and public institutions to remain open, offering shelter and refreshment during the unprecedented heat. He also called on shopping malls, restaurants, and shops to provide everyone with fresh water and refreshment opportunities.

"I ask everyone to show how strong national unity can be. If we all use water responsibly, we can protect the drinking water supply together and get through these extraordinary days. Please continue to look out for each other, for children, the sick, the elderly, and the homeless," he said.

Photo: Pixabay

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

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