The prime minister has asked residents to observe restrictions concerning water supply and to reduce their water consumption. That is because a water shortage can become a reality in the next 48 hours.
Péter Magyar talks about “record high” water consumption
Speaking in Parliament, Péter Magyar noted that water shortages were reported from more and more places in the country, and singled out Gödöllő, east of Budapest, an area with “record high” water consumption, saying “we should not wait until the supply system breaks down.“
Magyar said that another one or two more days were forecast in what he called an unprecedented heat wave, adding that people should use as little water as possible “rather than fill up pools or water plants because that would lead to immense problems“.
The prime minister also called on people to observe a prohibition on open fires. Meanwhile, Hungary’s chief medical officer has extended the nationwide third-degree heat alert until midnight on Wednesday, authorities said. Temperatures are expected to remain persistently high, nearing 40 degrees Celsius in some places, they said.
Red alert in Hungary: what the highest heat warning means
Water restrictions in force in multiple settlements
Water restrictions are in force in several Hungarian counties, including Pest, Zala, Veszprém, Hajdú-Bihar and Fejér. Notably, Felcsút — home to Hungary’s wealthiest individual, Lőrinc Mészáros, and former prime minister Viktor Orbán — is subject to a Level 1 water restriction due to a severe shortage. Under these measures, tap water may be used only for household purposes and firefighting.
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