Czech Republic faces critical drought as rivers, reservoirs reach historic lows

The Czech Republic is facing critically low water levels amid an extended period of abnormally hot and dry weather, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute.

Water levels in rivers and reservoirs across much of the country have fallen well below long-term averages, while a number of smaller streams have dried up completely. Authorities are recording exceptionally low hydrological levels in many parts of the country, Czech media reports. 

The situation is particularly serious along several major waterways. The level of the Elbe River is approaching a historic low for the entire observation period.

Water levels on the Vltava River, which flows through Prague, have been stabilised by the controlled management of the river’s reservoir system. However, levels near České Budějovice in South Bohemia have also fallen to record lows.

The Orlík Reservoir, one of the country’s largest reservoirs, has seen an especially sharp decline in water levels. Historical structures that were submerged when the reservoir was created have reappeared above the waterline.

Groundwater levels are also continuing to decline, putting additional pressure on wells and other local water supplies.

Meteorologists expect the dry conditions to persist, with little or no precipitation forecast in the coming days and temperatures expected to remain high.

By Sabina Mammadli