Never before has there been so little water in the Danube at Budapest, and the consequences are not only visible to the naked eye — for instance, you can walk down into the river’s former bed at Margaret Bridge — but could also, in some cases, cause problems for the drinking-water supply, while at the same time crippling river tourism. If the drought continues, then Lake Velence as we know it will cease to exist within days, with the once continuous expanse of water breaking up into a series of small pools, and disaster looming for wildlife.
Lake Velence as we know it may disappear by August
According to a Telex report, the Tisza government has not yet been able to decide how the situation at Lake Velence could be resolved — at considerable financial cost (though there is a plan). The lake, once famous for its beaches, rich wildlife, festivals, sporting events and high property prices, has seen tourism disappear and the lake itself is dying; plans are already under way to rescue its wildlife.
If the current drought persists — and there is no sign whatsoever to the contrary — then, according to calculations by experts at the Ministry for the Living Environment, Lake Velence as we know it, the one taught about in schools, will cease to exist by August. The water surface will split into several smaller pools, and the authorities may at most be able to ensure that these bodies of water remain linked in some form. But the problem is greater than that: with the help of the National Fishing Association, they will likely have to organise how to remove the fish from the dying lake.
No decision on water replenishment
Lake Velence is one of our shallow lakes, and one particularly affected by climate change, warming and prolonged drought. It is no surprise that it has dried up before; according to recollections, exercises were even held in its bed in the years after the change of regime. Since then, however, an entire industry has settled beside the lake, so a solution to replenishing the water must be found one way or another. Yet no decision has been made on full rehabilitation either in the newly formed ministry or in government, and “the planning and professional consultation phase is still under way”.
The ministry’s press spokesman also indicated that they simply cannot find the plan previously presented for saving Lake Velence by Zoltán Tessely, the area’s Fidesz MP. That document allegedly put the cost at 40 billion forints.
In addition, a national water inventory is under way, with the participation of the National Water Directorate and civil organisations; this could be completed around September-October. On that basis, it will then be possible to decide whether changes to agricultural production may be needed, as there may no longer be enough water available for profitable farming.
You can now casually walk through one of the biggest rivers in Hungary due to excessive drought
Another heat dome is on the way
The heat and drought causing our rivers and lakes to dry up do not appear to be easing. After June’s record heat, another heat dome — a high-pressure anticyclone — is now approaching, bringing 36-38C, perhaps even 40C, and completely rain-free weather from Wednesday. According to 24.hu, the heatwave will not be long-lasting, but it is certain to last until 5 August, that is, next Wednesday. Then a cold front will arrive, easing the heat to 29-34C, in other words, to what would count as pleasantly warm summer weather. However, meteorologist László Molnár, quoted by the paper, said that we should not expect any significant rainfall in the period that follows.
Danube at record low in Budapest
The water level of the Danube in Budapest is at a record low: the gauge showed 31 centimetres on Tuesday morning, according to the morning data on the water management website of the National Water Directorate (OVF). According to the figures, the river’s lowest previous level was 33 centimetres, MTI reports.
They also said the lowest recorded water level had been exceeded at several Danube gauges managed by the authority: at 8am, the level at Vác was 2cm below the previous minimum, at the Kvassay sluice in Budapest it was 10cm lower, at Tass, at the Tassi sluice, 4cm lower, and at Dunaújváros 5cm lower. At Nagymaros the water level was still 2cm above the previous low, and at Ercsi 4cm above it, but these negative records are expected to be broken there too.
They added that forecasts do not predict any significant rainfall in the catchments over the coming period; on the contrary, another warm spell is due, which will increase evaporation. The authority is continuing to use all available means to mitigate the harmful effects of water shortage, but without rain the water resources on hand are steadily diminishing.
Alarming: Almost 90% of Hungary now affected by moderate or severe drought
