Hungary drained its waters for generations. Now drought is exposing the cost
Summary
Hungary is facing a severe water crisis caused by prolonged drought, heat waves, and a long history of draining wetlands and water from the land. Water levels in lakes and rivers have dropped to record lows, harming wildlife, agriculture, drinking water supplies, and even the country’s nuclear power plant.Key Facts
- Lake Velence, Hungary’s third-largest lake, has water levels fallen to about 8 inches, far below the normal 5 feet for August.
- Swimming beaches on Lake Velence have been closed due to low water.
- Over 99% of Hungary’s land is experiencing severe or extreme drought.
- Wildfires have affected large parts of Europe, including Hungary, this summer.
- Drought and heat have damaged crops and caused drinking water shortages in Hungary.
- Hungary’s water management system historically drained wetlands and water from the land, losing over 80% of its wetlands.
- The loss of wetlands makes Hungary more vulnerable to drought and desertification, especially on the Great Hungarian Plain.
- Hungary’s nuclear power plant is threatened by water shortages caused by the drought.
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