Czech Republic confronts severe hydrological drought as river flows drop

The Czech Republic is experiencing one of its driest periods since 1961, with precipitation roughly 34 percent below seasonal averages. According to hydrologists, depletion of both groundwater and surface water has caused river flows, particularly in Moravia, to drop well below half their normal levels, leaving some smaller watercourses completely dry.

The acute shortage has forced local authorities and volunteers to rescue stranded aquatic wildlife, while water managers on the Vltava river cascade prepare contingency measures. If the Orlík reservoir drops an additional 3.5 metres, emergency supplies will be tapped from the Slapy reservoir, an event expected only once every 50 years. Meanwhile, experts warn that southern Moravia and the Elbe lowlands face long-term desertification risks unless systemic land water retention measures are expanded.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy.