Europe is going through the worst drought in 500 years. The Global Drought Observatory report states that 47% of the continent is under ‘warning’ circumstances as the soil has dried up. The intense heatwaves and temperatures that have soared up to 40 degrees and the least downpour have driven Europe to these circumstances. Another 17% is also under ‘warning’ as the vegetation exhibits signs of stress.
The report has warned of dry spells depleting the crop yields and breakout of wildfires. Such circumstances are expected to prevail for several months in southern parts of Europe.
Comparing the yields with last year, the harvest for grain maze to recede by 16% , the soybeans by 15% and sunflowers by 12%.
The Drought Observatory is part of the European commission’s research wing. Its reports state the drought to be the worst in 500 years. The water shortages and intensity of heatwaves have further caused stress on the water levels in entire Europe, says Research Commissioner Mariya Gabriel.
The reports have stated that most of the European rivers have dried up to some extent. Marine transport has also been worse hit as boats stand still on forced halts. Moreover, the energy resources have also been depleting in the continent.
Hydropower has significantly dropped by at least 20%. The Energy crisis in the continent has already been worse with Russian gas cut off at the Nord Stream 1. The continent has thus, been preparing for its worst winters, accompanied by gas shortages and blackouts.
The drought has been prevalent throughout the year, but it turned severe in August. Such conditions are anticipated to last at least till November.
The situation is further expected to go worse in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, UK, Romania and more. The United Kingdom has officially declared drought in several regions already.
