Drought in Europe, warning that it could become the worst it ever did

This is the warning from EU Commissioner Maroš (Laughter)

The prolonged conditions of drought have already hit several EU member states, including Greece and Italy, raising concern throughout Europe for the coming months.

Last month it was reported that an extremely rapid heat wave in France and Spain could jeopardise the wheat harvest after coming after a dry spring.

Italy

Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years, and authorities worry that prolonged drought could lead to serious water shortages for drinking and irrigation, affecting the local population throughout northern Italy.

In June it was reported that water was at such low levels on Italy's largest river, on the Yes River, so that local residents were walking in the middle of sandy space and were coming to light, sunken ships.

In a park near the village of Gualtier, riders and climbers stopped to see Zibello, a 50 - foot [50 m] long boat carrying wood during World War II, but drowned in 1943. The ship was normally underwater.

Portugal and Spain

On Friday, Portugal's government announced an eight-day alert due to an increased risk of fires, with the drought-hit country preparing for temperatures of up to 43 °C. This brings with it a considerable deterioration of fire risk “by 15 July, government departments said.

Limitations approved Friday include the ban on citizens in forests considered to be at high risk. In 2017 forest fires killed more than 100 people in Portugal.

At the end of June 96% of the country was classified as in the drought <x0x1> or the heavy “”.

Meanwhile, in parts of Spain, temperatures are expected to climb up to 42 degrees Celsius this weekend.

The country's reserves are, on average, at 45% capacity, according to government data, a disturbing development for an EU member state that saw rainfall only half its 30-year average in June.

Romania

Early this week, Romanian authorities urged the population to cut water use, as severe drought is draining the resources needed for electricity production and agriculture. Romania is one of the biggest wheat producers in the EU.

Romanian Environment Minister Barna Tanczos told reporters that drinking water must be maintained, while garden irrigation and pooling should be limited, with water levels on the country's 40 main reservoirs expected to drop from 82% now to 68% by the end of July. and 70% of the country is currently affected by drought.

France

Early this month, France's EDF announced it could be forced to cut its nuclear output due to prolonged high temperatures and insufficient river water, which is used for cooling nuclear reactors before turning into a river into a higher temperature.

The regulations are in force to limit the production of reactor during the time of extreme heat and lower water levels.

We have a special year because of the drought that started early, especially in southeastern France. But there is generally a little less water available this year,” said Catherine Laugier, EDF environmental director, at a press conference on July 5th.

Greece

Greece suffered some of Europe's most devastating forest fires in August 2021, and many are worrying in the country is about to experience similar fires in the future.

In June, a fierce fire went out of control in Evia, Greece's second largest island, stressing the growing risk and Thursday dealt with fires in Greece. /alinfo.ch/.