CHARACTERIZATION OF METEO-CLIMATE RISK PHENOMENA IN THE BOTNA RIVER BASIN

Abstract

The Botna River basin, a tributary of the Dniester River, has been significantly influenced by
climate change and meteo-climate variations over the past three decades. During this period,
risky phenomena such as droughts, floods and soil erosion have become increasingly frequent
and intense. Severe and very severe droughts have consistently affected the flows of the Botna
River, reducing water availability and having a significant impact on agriculture and local
ecosystems. Analysis of hydrological data from 1990-2025 shows a trend of decreasing
precipitation in the summer months and an increase in the frequency of droughts. Although
drought dominates in many periods of the year, extreme precipitation events in the spring and
summer months lead to sudden increases in the river flow, causing local flooding and affecting
nearby infrastructure and agricultural lands. The phenomenon is aggravated by unsustainable
urbanization and deforestation on the high slopes of the basin. Climate change has led to an
intensification of climate risk phenomena in the Botna River Basin. It is essential to implement
adaptation measures to cope with prolonged droughts and floods, as well as to protect the
infrastructure and ecosystems in the region.