Moldova is approaching the cold season under a 60-day emergency in its water and energy sectors.
Here's what to know
The Dniester River has fallen to unusually low levels, and higher energy prices driven by conflict abroad have added stress to Moldova's utility networks.
According to an Associated Press report published by The Seattle Times, Moldova's Ministry of Environment warned that the country is dealing with "a severe hydrological deficit" on the Dniester and Prut rivers.
The ministry said, "Particular attention is paid to the situation on the Dniester River, which is one of the main water sources of the Republic of Moldova."
The ministry said the emergency powers would let authorities respond faster and apply temporary steps to keep water and energy supplies stable. In the 101-seat legislature, the measure passed 54-20, while 22 lawmakers did not cast ballots.
Because the EU candidate country imports much of its natural gas and electricity, it is especially exposed when regional instability and weather shocks hit at once.
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More background
The decision followed a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Maia Sandu focused on the "impact of the international energy crisis" and the steps needed to strengthen national energy resilience before winter.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said inflow to Ukraine's upstream Novodnistrovsk reservoir was about 22 cubic meters per second, far below the 60 cubic meters per second he said was necessary. He called the broader situation a "perfect storm" driven by drought, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and refinery destruction.
When drought shrinks rivers and reservoirs, communities can face tighter access to water, higher utility bills, and added strain on electricity systems that depend on stable regional infrastructure.
Extreme weather disasters can also threaten lives and livelihoods by disrupting drinking water, sanitation, heating, transportation, food production, and medical services — all of which affect public health, community safety, and economic stability.
Moldova has already been dealing with overlapping pressures. In March, the country imposed an energy-sector emergency after Russian attacks on Ukraine's grid cut off a key transmission line to Romania.
What's being done?
By declaring the emergency, authorities have more flexibility to act quickly in both sectors and to put temporary measures in place if supplies worsen.
According to Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder, limits on nonessential water use could become necessary. "We must have all the tools required to intervene," he said.
Since July, alert measures had already been in place in the water and energy sectors as severe drought spread across Europe. The new measure suggests authorities believe those earlier precautions may no longer be enough on their own.
The most immediate effects could come through tighter water-use rules or higher household energy costs.
Tofan said, "I'm not saying that tomorrow we'll run out of gas, diesel, electricity or water. The problem is that we are entering the cold season with several major risks overlapping at the same time."
Where can I learn more?
Drought emergencies like Moldova's are straining water systems in other regions too, sometimes with wider social fallout. These stories cover emergency declarations, water-use restrictions, and shrinking reserves from Europe to the Middle East.
• In Catalonia, officials declared a state of emergency as reservoirs neared collapse during historic drought.
• In Iran, dam storage dropped 39%, deepening fears of unrest and chronic shortages.
• In England, water companies imposed hosepipe bans and restrictions as drought pressure intensified.
• In Cyprus, officials urged residents to reduce water use immediately amid a once-in-a-century crisis.
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