Groundwater levels are at concerningly low in multiple regions across Austria, following what has been described as one of the driest Aprils since 1858. Reports indicate that at approximately 70 percent of monitoring points, groundwater levels are currently recorded as low or very low. Greenpeace warned that a significant portion of measuring points have reached record lows, with some provinces reporting rainfall deficits up to minus 75 percent.
Upper Austria registered the most severe figures, impacting 36 percent of its measuring points. In separate international developments, three employees of the Russian embassy in Vienna were expelled after justice authorities investigated suspected espionage equipment at the diplomatic mission. Following a period of investigation, the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, and the three individuals subsequently left Austria after Russia declined to lift their immunity within the stipulated timeframe.
This marks the thirteenth expulsion of Russian embassy personnel since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Domestically, the education sector in Austria is facing scrutiny regarding German language proficiency. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr highlighted weak German skills as the most pressing issue, advocating for earlier and more intensive language support, particularly in kindergarten.
He addressed plans for expanded support classes and defended the ongoing pilot project for a six-year primary school curriculum. Other reports from Austria covered a major emergency rescue operation in St. Pölten following reports of children entering the Traisen river.
Additionally, administrative services across Tyrol extended office hours to accommodate citizens needing assistance with passports and other civil matters. Various transport disruptions, including planned railway and road works, were also reported across the country.
Topics: #austria #low #levels
