Apocalyptic Scenes in Europe: Famous Lake Dries Up, Greece in Flames
Lake Brenets on the Swiss-French border has almost completely disappeared, while Greece battles devastating wildfires. Drought and fire are simultaneously ravaging the continent.
Lake Brenets on the Swiss-French border has almost completely disappeared, while Greece battles devastating wildfires. Drought and fire are simultaneously ravaging the continent.
Europe is facing dramatic consequences of climate extremes this summer. While devastating fires rage across the south, prolonged drought is painting almost apocalyptic scenes in the west. Lake Brenets, a popular tourist destination on the Swiss-French border, has almost completely dried up, and its once magnificent waterfall has vanished.
Lake Brenets, usually teeming with swimmers, campers, and canoe enthusiasts, has been unnavigable for over a week. Dozens of vessels, including the tourist boat "Džambo," remain stranded on the cracked mud. The water level is currently more than nine meters below average and continues to drop by about 22 centimeters per day. The Doubs River, which feeds the lake, has weakened dramatically after months of scarce rainfall and three consecutive heatwaves.
Ivan Dirig, owner of the company "Société de Navigation des Brenets," witnesses the dire situation. "It has hit us hard because we are completely powerless against this phenomenon," Dirig told Reuters. He has already been forced to lay off employees and fears the business year will end in a loss. Three tourist companies that usually ferry thousands of visitors by boat are now practically out of work.
"Such droughts are coming one after another, something we have never seen before," Dirig added.
According to data from the MeteoSwiss meteorological service, only about half the usual amount of rain has fallen since April. This year's drought is comparable to the most severe dry spells of 1976, 2003, and 2018. Long-term forecasts offer no relief, as rainfall is expected to remain below average until at least mid-August.
The remaining water in the lake has been reduced to a narrow, brown strip in the middle, trapping fish, while only a few swans swim on the surface. The nearby Saut du Doubs waterfall has almost completely dried up. "It's so beautiful when there's water, when it flows. This is an idyllic, wonderful place. It makes me sad to see it in this state," said Martial Bejele, a 69-year-old local resident.
While Western Europe battles drought, the south of the continent is burning. Greek firefighters on Sunday, August 2, 2026, were battling a major wildfire that destroyed over 100 homes northwest of Athens. Meanwhile, devastating fires in France and Spain are finally showing signs of easing, according to Reuters reports.
