Europe suffering most severe drought since last 500 years

Brussels: European Drought Observatory has warned that the continent is facing the most severe drought in the last 500 years, triggering an emergency in more than 60% of the regions. Drought has been announced in many parts of France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The survival of crops and trees is threatened in Germany, Hungary, and Portugal. The European agency has warned of evident food shortages in Romania, Slovenia, Poland, and Croatia.

The European Drought Observatory, a part of the European Commission, recently published its report for August, highlighting the dangerous drought situation faced by the European continent. Most of the water bodies in Europe have reached their lowest levels. Groundwater levels have been reduced by more than 45%. There is an agricultural crisis developing in nearly 17% of the area.

The European Drought Observatory has warned about the drought in Europe since the beginning of this year. However, the intensity has greatly increased in August, making the situation precarious. The situation will likely remain the same until November in western Europe and countries near the Mediterranean Sea. The European Commission has endorsed the report and commented that the current situation in Europe is the worst drought seen in the last 500 years.

There are indications that the drought will cause a significant drop in the main European crop production, like corn and soybean. The Joint Research Centre, a part of the European Union, has warned of a decline of nearly 12% to 16% in the main European crops. It is being said that the farming, energy, transport, and tourism sectors are also likely to be severely affected due to the drought.

The hydroelectric projects are forced to be closed due to the reducing water levels in the rivers. Water bodies and rivers have dried up, causing a stoppage in transport and trade carried out through them. Rationing of electricity has started in major European cities hampering the tourism and hotel business. Since many tourist places are closed, there is a substantial reduction in foreign tourists. At the same time, there are limitations on trade in many areas due to the possibility of forest fires in these areas.

A major crisis is developing in the European economy due to the developing drought. The European economy is losing billions of Euros due to forest fires and other factors in leading countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.