Lithuania has announced an emergency situation: What's transpiring?
Lithuania Declares Emergency as Torrential Rains Destroy Farmers' Crops
Lithuania is currently grappling with an emergency situation due to the extensive damage caused by torrential rains and severe flooding, particularly in July 2025. The government's declaration allows for more efficient coordination of national support and waives certain deadlines and reduces bureaucratic requirements.
The unusually rainy period has resulted in the destruction or damage of between 50% to 70% of Lithuanian farmers' summer harvest, affecting approximately 7,900 hectares. Farmers are currently unable to access their flooded fields to harvest their crops due to the excessive rainfall. Even brief showers in waterlogged areas can lead to surface water accumulation and new floods.
In response to this natural disaster, the Lithuanian government has implemented several emergency measures to support affected farmers. Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Navickas was appointed as the state operations commander for the emergency, centralizing the management of relief efforts.
Farmers are given flexibility to continue harvesting despite weather conditions. This flexibility is intended to minimize damage by allowing farmers to focus on salvaging their crops. The measures also aim to enable farmers to prioritize harvesting over meeting strict contractual deadlines, as fields are still waterlogged and many cannot meet their obligations.
Those seeking compensation for damaged crops must submit an application to the mayor of the affected municipality, along with proof of ownership and the extent of the damage. The circumstances related to the emergency situation should be described in the compensation application.
July 2025 was the third wettest month in Lithuania's history, with more rainfall only recorded in 1977 and 2007. From June to July 2025, Lithuania received an average of 222.6 mm of rain, which is among the highest on record. Some areas in Lithuania received up to twice or three times the usual amount of rainfall.
The emergency situation was declared due to an unusually rainy period, with the rainfall during July 2025 greatly exceeding the average, reaching 141.4 mm (168% of the standard climatic norm). The intense rainfall caused the soil in many areas to become completely waterlogged.
The declaration of the emergency situation will enable better assistance to be provided to affected farmers. The government's statement regarding the emergency situation has been published on the official website.
- The torrential rains and flooding incidents in Lithuania in July 2025 can be attributed to the unpredictable and extreme weather patterns, a concern highlighted in the field of environmental science and climate-change research.
- In light of the climate-change implications, weather-forecasting models need to be more accurate and responsive, allowing for early detection and warnings of such extreme events in the future.
- The Lithuanian government's decision to declare an emergency and invest in environmental-science solutions could serve as a blueprint for other countries facing similar climate-change challenges, thereby contributing to a more sustainable global ecosystem.
