Hungary declares emergency as severe drought grips the country

Most of Hungary is experiencing a severe agricultural drought, with soil moisture at critical levels and a rainfall deficit of about 70 mm over the past 30 days and up to 120 mm over three months. The HungaroMet drought index shows that 66 of the country's 84 water‑management districts exceed the critical threshold.

Environment minister László Gajdos ordered extraordinary readiness, raising water‑management agencies to the highest alert level to accelerate emergency interventions. River levels have fallen dramatically, with the Danube measured at just 26 cm in Budapest, a new low that has stranded hotel boats and forced a reduction in output at the Paksi nuclear power plant. Farmers report wilted crops, dried pastures, and families relying on well water face water‑shortages for irrigation.

The drought has already reduced sunflower yields compared with the 2022 season and caused irreversible damage to fields and forests. Local authorities are distributing water tanks and assisting households that depend on private wells.