Hungary and Slovakia Set New High-Temperature Records Amid Water Shortages and Restrictions

(CNA Budapest, July 30, International News) An unbearable heatwave continues to batter Central Europe, with both Hungary and neighboring Slovakia setting historical high-temperature records today. Many areas are also facing drinking water shortages, necessitating the deployment of water trucks to supply residents and the implementation of water restrictions.

According to Agence France-Presse, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute stated that the country recorded a new high of 41.3 degrees Celsius today, breaking the previous historical record of 41 degrees Celsius set the day before. This new record was registered in Kamenica nad Hronom, in the south near the Hungarian border.

In a video posted on Facebook, the Hungarian National Meteorological Service (HungaroMet) announced that the temperature in Szécsény, in northern Hungary near the Slovak border, reached 42 degrees Celsius, surpassing the record of 41.9 degrees Celsius set in 2007.

Several towns in Hungary and Slovakia have implemented water restrictions and have been under the highest level of heat alert for several days.

Multiple regions, including the central Slovak city of Nitra, are facing drinking water shortages and require water trucks to supply residents.

In a hilly village northwest of Budapest, Hungary, residents had to brave 41-degree Celsius temperatures to fetch water from roadside water trucks with plastic containers and bottles, as the village's tap water supply had dried up.

"The water is mainly for drinking, but the animals at home also need water," 23-year-old student Andras Arki told AFP.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has urged the public to conserve water and avoid non-essential uses such as watering lawns and washing cars.

The intense heatwave, which has lasted for over a week, has swept across Europe, with historical high-temperature records being broken in various locations. (Intern Editor: Tseng Yi-chieh / Editor: Hsu Chung-che) 1150701

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