Orlík Dam reaches historic low water levels

The Orlík Dam in the Czech Republic has reached its historically lowest water level since it began operations, dropping approximately 15 meters due to extreme drought. The water level reached 334.6 meters above sea level, prompting water management authorities to limit outflows to match incoming flow.

The receding waters have revealed long-submerged historical sites, including parts of houses and the cemetery of the village of Červená nad Vltavou. Additionally, the low levels have exposed rock cavities known as ‘Moravcovo peklo’, where World War II resistance fighter Miloš Blažek hid from the Gestapo for nine months in 1944.

Other visible remains include remnants of Czechoslovak fortifications, such as a ‘řopík’ type A bunker, and significant sediment deposits that have reshaped the riverbed over the last 60 years. Authorities have also noted reports of barrels located on the exposed dam floor.