EC: Europe facing worst drought in 500 years

This response comes as recent scientific data has shown that almost two-thirds of the continent is in extraordinary condition in terms of drought or due to heat waves and a lack of rainfall.

The report, released in August by European News Monitor (EDO), which is monitored by the European Commission, said that 47 percent of Europe is facing heated temperatures, with a significant moisture deficit, while 17 percent is in emergency condition and that in these areas, because of weather, vegetation has been affected.

Drought “seems to be heavier in the last 500 years”, the spokesman said EDO, Johannes Bahrke, referring to the findings of the report.

“This is the first assessment and we have to confirm this finding with the final data to be released at the end of the” season, he added.

The summer planting season is said to have been affected by extreme weather, as corn, soybeans, and sunflowers are expected to drop by 15 percent, reports the report.

Water transport of goods, such as across the Danube River, has been hampered by low water levels.

Rainfalls in mid-August may have eased the situation with drought, but in some cases the rains have caused other damage, the report says.

The regions that were worst hit by drought in summer were affected by drought even in the spring. These include Italy, France's southeast and some areas in Hungary and Romania.

Researchers predict high and dry temperatures will reign as early as November in the Mediterranean region and Western Europe.