Moldovan meteorologists issue yellow code for hydrological drought in first half of April

Chisinau, April /MOLDPRES/-The State Hydro-meteorological Service today issued yellow code for hydrological drought for 4-15 April. The phenomenon is caused by the lack of precipitation, which affected the water level in Moldovan rivers and lakes.

The head of the State Hydro-meteorological Service’s hydrological service, Valeriu Cazac said an yellow code for hydrological drought is usually issued when the water flow reaches 50 per cent or goes below the multi-annual standard during a period of 5-7 days.

According to Cazac, Moldova has been coping with a hydrological drought since June 2015, with a pause in January and February 2016. “The yellow code for hydrological drought comes with flooding risks or rapid increase in the water level, which needs to be paid high attention during seasonal activities exposed to floods. During such times, we recommend that economic agents and citizens make rational use of water resources,” Cazac emphasized.

Research professor at the Hydro-biology Laboratory of the Zoology Institute of the Moldovan Academy of Sciences, PhD Elena Zubcov, said the hydrological drought forecast for the first half of April, would have a negative impact on Moldova’s water ecosystems. “The phenomenon will hurt the development of water bodies’ flora and fauna and will target fish breeding first of all, as there will be no growth conditions for it. At the same time, water quality will fail to meet the sanitary requirements,” Zubcov noted.

In this context, the Environment Ministry said it would assess the situation and would find out to what extent it is caused by meteorological conditions and human action. Based on the results, it will take the necessary actions.

(Reporter L. Grubii, Editor M. Jantovan)