A series of satellite images have revealed how Europe dried up over the months of July and August as “the worst drought in 500 years” hit the continent.
In a video posted on Twitter by the Copernicus Program of the European Union, which runs the constellation of Earth-observing Sentinel satellites, large areas of Europe can be seen changing from a lush green to a dry brown between July 1 and August 31.
“In 2022, #drought has affected the whole of Europe” tweeted Copernicus, adding “Observe how our continent has changed with this mosaic of images.”
According to reports, the 2022 drought is the greatest to affect Europe in 500 years. While the abnormally hot and dry weather has substantially raised the risk of forest fires, water levels in rivers like the Rhine, Danube, and Po plunged to such low levels that the waterways had to be closed to traffic.
Watch | Gravitas: Europe faces worst drought in 500 years
This year’s summer in Europe is regarded as being the driest since a severe drought that struck the region since 1540.
Images available on the Copernicus website show the extent to which the drought is impacting the continent.
(Image Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery)
This image shows the acute drought as it impacts the Noordoostpolder in the Netherlands.
Also read | ‘If you see me, weep’: Europe’s histsoric drought uncovers centuries-old macabre warnings
The majority of the land in Noordoostpolder is used for agriculture. The lack of flora has caused the region to turn brown, something that can be seen throughout the Netherlands. As per Copernicus, the region is having problems producing animal feed and has a shortage of water resources that are required by the local wildlife because of the drought and crop failures.
Another image shows Spain, which “is one of the EU Member States that is most severely affected by the consequences of the historic drought in Europe.”
(Image Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery)
In Spain’s Extremadura, 15 reservoirs are in an emergency situation and several water rationing restrictions have been put in place.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
