Lake Balaton water level drops, exposing Monkey Island

The water level of Hungary's Lake Balaton has fallen to about 83 cm, roughly 20‑30 cm below normal. Because the lake is on average only three metres deep, the drop quickly exposed a sandbank known locally as “Monkey Island”.

Experts say the decline is driven by a severe lack of rainfall and rapid soil absorption, which prevents water from reaching the lake's tributaries. Small streams such as the Aranyos vanish before reaching the lake, and the Zala River, the main inflow, is delivering only a minimal flow. The drought threatens fruit orchards and other crops in the southern basin and may force tourists to wade through mud to reach shore facilities.

A similar drying problem has been recorded at the smaller Lake Velence, where water measured only 62 cm against an optimal 130 cm. Hungarian authorities have begun discussions with ecologists and local officials about possible rescue measures for the lakes.