BUCHAREST, July 22 -- Sustained drought has forced Romania's National Water Administration (ANAR) to impose water restrictions in 449 localities, or 15 percent of the total, ANAR said in a statement on Monday.

The affected areas include six cities -- Dorohoi, Targu Neamt, Targu Ocna, Roman, Pascani, and Harlau, as well as parts of the Municipality of Iasi. Despite having centralized water systems, the water supply in these areas may be disrupted at certain intervals, according to the document, which did not provide further details.

The counties most affected by these restrictions are Botosani, Iasi, Alba, Gorj, Vrancea, Bacau, Neamt, Galati, Hunedoara, Vaslui, Olt, and Arges.

Additionally, 251 localities without centralized water systems have reported dry wells due to the drought, with Botosani being particularly impacted.

According to ANAR, the flow of the Danube River at the Bazias entry point into Romania has decreased to 4,000 cubic meters per second, below the July average of 5,350 meters per second.

The average water volume in 40 key reservoirs has slightly decreased to a filling coefficient of 79.77 percent, down from 80 percent last week, with an expected further drop to 77 percent by the end of July.

ANAR emphasized the need for the rational use of water, prioritizing drinking water supplies for the population as drought continues to impact the country.

According to the European and Global Drought Observatories, the Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) for late June 2024 shows alarming drought conditions across most of Romania.

Since June, Romania has experienced multiple heat waves, according to the National Meteorological Administration. The intense heat has resulted in severe drought conditions across the country, causing significantly reduced water levels in many lakes and rivers.

  - Xinhua