Czech Republic faces critical water shortages as severe drought persists

Severe hydrological drought continues to deplete water resources across the Czech Republic, marking one of the driest years recorded since 1961. Data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute indicates that cumulative precipitation is down approximately 34 percent against historical averages, causing substantial deficits in groundwater tables and surface flows.

State river authorities are preparing contingency measures along the Vltava cascade, which may involve drawing emergency reserves from the Slapy reservoir if water levels at the Orlík dam drop further—a scenario projected to occur roughly once every 50 years. In multiple regions, dried riverbeds have prompted local volunteers to rescue stranded aquatic wildlife. Meanwhile, public polling reflects widespread domestic anxiety over extreme temperatures, as climate specialists warn of escalating long-term desertification risks across southern Moravia and the Elbe basin.

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