The water level at the world’s largest freshwater lake Baikal continues to decrease,SIA informs citing the RIA.
Since yesterday, the water level has fallen to 455.88 meters (1,493 feet), which is lower than the critical mark of 456 meters by 12 centimeters (5 inches).
At the end of the 20th Century Lake Baikal experienced a water shortage that may last around 22-24 years. During this period, the lake loses between 10 and 15 percent of its annual water inflow.
Climate change may be one of reasons the lake continues to dry up. Due to last year’s dry summer and fall, Lake Baikal only received 67 percent of the water inflow it normally receives.