Moldova’s parliament has declared a 60-day state of emergency in both the energy and water sectors due to critically low water levels in the Dniester River and rising energy costs. The decision, approved in a 54-20 vote with 22 lawmakers abstaining, will take effect on Saturday. The move comes after a meeting of the National Security Council, led by President Maia Sandu, which focused on how the ongoing international energy crisis is affecting Moldova and what steps are needed to prepare for winter. The state of emergency grants authorities more flexibility to act quickly and implement temporary measures to ensure the continued supply of energy and water. According to the Ministry of Environment, Moldova is experiencing a "severe hydrological deficit" on both the Dniester and Prut rivers, which are critical water sources for the country. This shortage threatens the stability of water supplies and has led to the declaration of the emergency. The Dniester River, in particular, is a key source of water for Moldova, and its low flow has raised concerns about the sustainability of water resources. Authorities are now empowered to take swift action to maintain supply, including potentially restricting non-essential water use. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan described the situation as a "perfect storm" of challenges, including drought, regional conflicts, and the damage to oil refineries. These factors have driven up energy costs and placed additional strain on Moldova’s energy sector. The country relies heavily on imported natural gas and electricity, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Similar emergency measures in both sectors, which were set to expire on Friday, have been in place since July, when a severe drought began to affect much of Europe. The current crisis is compounded by previous incidents linked to the war in Ukraine. In March, Moldova declared a state of emergency in the energy sector after Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid disrupted a key power line connecting Moldova to Romania. Around the same time, thousands of Moldovans were left without water after a Russian strike on the Novodnistrovsk hydropower plant caused pollution in the Dniester River. Now, with water levels at their lowest in years, the government is preparing for a winter that could test the country’s resilience in both energy and water management.