The hydrological situation in the Czech Republic continues to deteriorate, reaching critical levels, UNN reports, citing Radio Prague.
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According to the latest data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, water levels in the vast majority of monitored watercourses have fallen significantly below long-term average figures. Extremely low hydrological indicators have been recorded across most of the country, and a number of small streams have dried up completely. A critical situation is also being observed in the country's key waterways.
In particular, the water level in the Elbe River is approaching its historic minimum for the entire period of regular observations. On the Vltava River, regulation of the reservoir system has made it possible to partially stabilize the situation; however, in the area of the city of České Budějovice, the figures have also reached their lowest recorded level. The extreme decline in water volumes in the Orlík Reservoir has exposed historic sites: the remains of the former hydroelectric power plant in Dubrava, built in 1929 and flooded in the 1960s during the creation of the reservoir, have appeared on the surface.
In addition to surface waters, the negative trend is also affecting underground sources, where a steady decline in groundwater levels is being recorded, directly affecting the water levels in wells. According to the medium-range weather forecast, no conditions for a change in the situation or an improvement in the hydrological conditions are expected in the coming days.