Centuries-old 'hunger stones' resurface in Europe's worst drought in 500 years

For those in Europe, rising temperatures over the summer have led to an intense drought, which, according to experts, is the worst in 500 years. Rivers across the continent have seen their water levels drastically recede, revealing "hunger rocks" that warn against a dark future.

What are the "Stones of Starvation"?

Hunger stones are a centuries-old practice where stones lining the dried-up river beds were carved to serve as a warning to future generations that a famine was around the corner, the Independent reported. This practice has been followed through various streams in Europe, some of which date back as far as the 15th century.

The researchers found a similar rock on the banks of the elbe which starts in the Czech Republic and flows into Germany. The warning on the stone, written in German, Wenn du mich seehst, dann weine, roughly translates to, "If you see me, then weep." In a study published on stone in 2013, the researchers reported that the stone was from 1616. It marked multiple instances of droughts that the river had been through before 1900 and how it brought periods of lack of food, high prices, and hunger for poor people, Business Insider said in its report.

When these warnings were last reported, it was in 2018. But experts worry that the current drought in Europe is the worst in 500 years.

The worst drought in Europe in five hundred years.

The European Drought Observatory's researchers say, Today's drought should affect 47% of Europe, when soil moisture should be loss-making. 17% of Europe may experience pressure on its vegetation due to lack of water.

Farmers in France have already turned to tap water to feed their livestock after streams have run dry, while in Spain, farmers had to sacrifice hundreds of avocado trees to save others from wilting after reservoirs' water levels have dipped, the Independent said in its report.

Water levels in the Rhine reached zero at the depth gauge at Emmerich, close to the Dutch border, at the beginning of the week. The river navigation route remained operational, but the water level was 6 feet. Plants may have to slow down or shut down production altogether as current water levels make it difficult to move goods.

The receding water level in Italy's Po river revealed the shipwreck of a World War II-era barge after revealing a 1,000-pound submerged bomb last month, Business Insider reported.

Climate change is not just affecting Europe; drought-like conditions have also been reported in northern Mexico, east Africa, and the U.S. northwest.