Published 2 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
Hungary drained its waters for generations. Now drought is exposing the cost
A fisherman at Lake Velence in Hungary faced record low water levels, causing docks to become steep as the water receded.
Experts say Hungary's long-standing drainage of wetlands and water channeling has increased vulnerability to frequent and severe droughts.
About 99% of Hungary's land experiences severe or extreme drought, with desertification threatening much of the Great Hungarian Plain, according to the national meteorological service.
Hungary has an extensive drainage canal network exceeding Earth's circumference, with over 40,000 kilometers of canals, and Prime Minister Péter Magyar plans comprehensive water conservation and management reforms to address drought effects.