Czech Republic confronts severe hydrological drought as water levels drop

The Czech Republic is confronting one of its most severe hydrological droughts since 1961, with cumulative precipitation roughly 34 percent below historical averages. Extended soil moisture deficits now impact approximately 30 percent of the national territory, severely straining groundwater reserves and surface flows across southern Moravia, the Elbe basin, and the Krušné hory region.

Water managers report that several smaller rivers have dried up entirely, noting that current conditions reflect climate models originally projected for 2050. Major reservoirs, including Orlík, have recorded significant weekly declines. In response, authorities have reconvened the National Coalition Against Drought and pledged four billion korunas (€160 million) alongside draft legislation for reservoir development. However, environmental researchers caution that constructing additional dams cannot resolve structural river depletion, advocating instead for systemic agricultural adaptation and enhanced landscape water retention.

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