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Danube and Drava Rivers Hit Historic Lows in Croatia; Groundwater Levels Also Decline
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Environment & Climate

Danube and Drava Rivers Hit Historic Lows in Croatia; Groundwater Levels Also Decline

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Rivers in Croatia, including the Danube and Drava, have reached historically low levels in 2026, with the Danube in Batina experiencing drought conditions for 66% of the year.
  • Groundwater levels are also declining across central, northern, and eastern Croatia, nearing previous minimums.
  • The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) is monitoring the situation, which is impacting water resources.

Croatia is witnessing alarming scenes as major rivers, the Danube and Drava, hit historic lows in 2026. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) reports that the Danube at Batina has been below the hydrological drought threshold for two-thirds of the year. These critically low river levels are not isolated. The DHMZ also indicates a continuing decline in groundwater levels across significant parts of the country. Central, northern, and eastern Croatia are particularly affected, with water tables approaching their lowest recorded points. The situation highlights a severe water scarcity issue, with the DHMZ actively monitoring the environmental conditions. The prolonged period of low water levels in both rivers and underground sources suggests a significant drought impacting the region's water resources.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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