Czech Republic suffers worst drought for 500 years

The Czech Republic is experiencing the worst drought in the last 500 years, Environment Minister Richard Brabec stated, Reuters reports.

A map provided by the Ministry showed that only 0.1% of the Czech Republic's territory had normal soil moisture levels in mid-April. At the same time, a severe drought was detected in 75.4% of the territory.

As reported, since 2015, drought conditions have persisted in the Czech Republic as temperatures rise and precipitation decreases.

“We are facing an unprecedented drought period, both in its duration and its impact,” Environment Minister noted.

According to him, drought and higher temperatures have also contributed to the spread of bark beetles that hit the country last year. The damage is estimated at USD 1.7 bln.

"The Environment Ministry is negotiating for 3.5 bln crowns (USD 139.90 mln) of extra spending this year to fight the drought, a move that could help a harvest that includes grains and rapeseed," Richard Brabec said.

Previously reported that April drought in Ukraine affected many fields in the southern regions.