Moldova issues drought alerts as river levels drop

Moldovan rivers are experiencing critical water shortages, with some small rivers reaching only 10% of their normal flow for September. The National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued Red, Orange, and Yellow hydrological drought codes.

The most severe conditions, marked by Red codes, affect the Vilia, Ichel, Draghiște, Cubolta, Ciulucul Mic, and Botna rivers. The Nistru river is under an Orange code with flow at approximately 30% of the multi-annual average. On the Prut river, water levels vary by sector, ranging from 20% to 40% of normal levels, triggering Orange and Yellow alerts. Authorities have urged the population and businesses to use water resources economically due to high temperatures and low rainfall this summer.