OVF: Hungary sees driest seven consecutive months since 1901
The average water level in Lake Balaton was 78cm on Tuesday morning, expected to sink to 75cm by September 1.
The average water level in Lake Balaton was 78cm on Tuesday morning, expected to sink to 75cm by September 1.
“Irrigation is in the public interest, as the basis for secure food supplies," the agriculture minister said.
Agriculture Minister István Nagy noted that nearly half of Europe was affected, while Hungary was facing a “drought of historical proportion”.
Droughts are becoming more frequent, with hotter summers and more intensive heat waves.
The interior ministry has issued a drought alert for the whole country starting on Monday.
The drought brought on by climate change already has severe consequences. Wheat, rape, maize, potatoes and peas have been hit by drought in Hungary since February this year, but the spectacular rise in fruit and vegetable prices is also partially due to the drought.