Romania faces wildfires and severe drought in Barcău River

Romania is facing significant environmental challenges, including widespread wildfires and severe drought. In the Oltenia region, uncontrolled fires are affecting fields, orchards, vineyards, and gardens, with local firefighters struggling to manage the high volume of calls. Many of these fires are suspected to be intentional.

Simultaneously, the Barcău River has experienced extreme water depletion. In areas near Sălăjene, Valcău de Sus, and Valcău de Jos, the riverbed has largely dried up, leaving only stones and cracked earth. A report from Apele Române Crișuri confirmed that the river lacked water at the Marca hydrometric station. The environmental crisis has also triggered significant online disinformation, with social media users disputing the reality of the drought and accusing official reports of being false or AI-generated.