Drought threatens water supply in BiH, particularly severe in Herzegovina
Dugotrajna suša i visoke temperature u Bosni i Hercegovini uzrokovale su smanjenje dotoka vode na izvorištima i nisku razinu akumulacija, što je dovelo do ograničenja potrošnje vode u više gradova i općina. Posebno teško je stanje u Hercegovini, gdje su temperature bile najviše. Mostarski vodovod preporučuje korištenje vode samo za osnovne potrebe, dok su u nekim prigradskim naseljima uvedene privremene obustave vodoopskrbe. U Širokom Brijegu su dramatično smanjene zalihe vode na izvorištu Borak, a u drugim lokacijama kao što su Posušje, Tomislavgrad, Konjic, Cazin, Bihać, Prijedor, Travnik, Laktaš i Zvornik također postoje apel za štednju vode. Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede Republike Srpske upozorilo je na potrebu racionalnog korištenja vode, jer nedostatak oborina smanjuje izdašnost izvorišta i vodostaja rijeka. Ako se nastavi sušno razdoblje, moguće je uvođenje dodatnih ograničenja.
In Croatia’s Slavonia region, farmers are facing unprecedented challenges due to prolonged droughts, with corn crops nearly destroyed. The situation has escalated over recent months, marked by a severe lack of rainfall and record-high temperatures. Farmers such as Vojo Nikšić from Vukovar report that their corn yields have dropped dramatically, with some fields producing just two tons per hectare, far below the average of 13 to 14 tons. Despite the bleak outlook, they insist on harvesting the remaining crop, even though the costs have already been incurred. They hope for the declaration of a natural disaster to help mitigate losses. The impact of the drought extends beyond current harvests. Crops like soybeans, once widely cultivated in the area, are becoming less common due to repeated heatwaves and water shortages. According to Anica Pavičić, a senior advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture, soybean yields have declined by around 30% compared to planned targets. This decline has prompted farmers to seek more resilient crops, such as sunflowers, although these too struggle under long-term dry conditions. Experts suggest that irrigation systems could offer a solution, yet widespread implementation remains limited. Similar concerns are emerging in other parts of Europe. In Austria, a multi-week drought has caused extensive damage, with estimated losses reaching one billion euros. The Austrian insurance company Österreichische Hagelversicherung warns that further damage could occur if the dry spell continues into late July. Director Kurt Weinberger notes that this level of heat and low rainfall is historically rare, leading to an expected 30% reduction in crop yields. Pastures have been particularly hard-hit, forcing some farmers to slaughter livestock earlier than planned due to a shortage of feed. Italy is also experiencing severe consequences. The northern rice-growing regions, especially in the Lombardy and Piedmont areas, face critical water shortages. The Italian agricultural association Confagricoltura estimates potential losses exceeding 100 million euros for rice producers. With rising production costs and fierce international competition, farmers are struggling to maintain profitability. Water levels in Alpine lakes, including Lake Maggiore, have reached extreme drought conditions, while the Po River's water levels near Cremona have hit historic lows. In Istria, vineyards are also feeling the effects of the heatwave. Harvesting has started earlier than usual, with wineries beginning to pick grapes for both still and sparkling wines. Enologists like Elvis Visintin and Nicolo Del Negro report that the quality of the grapes remains high despite reduced quantities. However, the early harvest is attributed to prolonged drought and high temperatures, which have affected grape development and sugar content. Dr. Marijan Bubola from the Institute for Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč explains that while the quality of the grapes is still acceptable, the overall yield will likely be lower than previous years. Meanwhile, in Poreč, a concerning incident involving child safety has drawn attention. A couple from Bosnia and Herzegovina left their child locked inside a parked car for almost an hour before heading to a store. The child was found by passersby, who called emergency services, but the parents had already returned and unlocked the vehicle. Fortunately, the child was not injured. Police confirmed that the couple faces charges of violating the child’s rights. Authorities have issued warnings to parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles during heatwaves, emphasizing that even brief exposure can lead to serious health risks. This issue has led to increased public awareness campaigns. The police, in collaboration with local authorities and educational institutions, have produced informational brochures in multiple languages, including English, German, and Italian, to educate residents on protecting children from heat-related illnesses. They advise against leaving children alone in cars and recommend changing routines to avoid unintentional neglect. In Vrgorac, the river Matica has dried up completely, raising alarms among local farmers who rely heavily on its waters for irrigation. The absence of rainfall and persistent high temperatures have severely impacted water availability, making it difficult to sustain agricultural activities. Municipal authorities have urged residents to reduce water usage during August, warning that the situation could worsen if rain does not return soon. The area, known for frequent flooding, is now grappling with an entirely different challenge, extreme drought. Across the country, experts warn that such weather patterns are becoming increasingly common. Climate projections indicate that by 2050–2060, Croatia may need to import up to half of its grain, 70% of its potatoes, and 80% of its vegetable oils. These trends underscore the urgent need for investment in irrigation infrastructure and climate adaptation strategies. As farmers continue to battle the elements, the call for sustainable solutions grows louder.
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