Czech Republic faces severe drought as water levels hit critical lows

Drought conditions across the Czech Republic have intensified, marking one of the driest periods recorded since 1961. Data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and monitoring project InterSucho indicate that precipitation levels have dropped 34 percent below long-term averages, leaving nearly a third of the country facing persistent soil moisture deficits, particularly in southern Moravia and the Elbe basin.

Surface and groundwater reserves continue to deplete, with water authorities reporting that several smaller rivers have dried up entirely. Officials from the Vltava River basin stated that current hydrological conditions match climate scenarios previously projected for 2050. Although the government has allocated four billion korunas (€160 million) for drought mitigation and drafted legislation for new reservoirs, environmental experts emphasize that new dams cannot compensate for depleted river flows, urging structural agricultural reforms and enhanced landscape water retention.

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