The Romanian Orthodox Church has called on parishes and monasteries across the country to provide assistance to people affected by an intense heatwave sweeping Romania and other parts of Europe.

The Romanian Patriarchate has asked dioceses to support those most vulnerable to extreme temperatures by distributing drinking water, offering access to cool spaces inside churches, and providing assistance through church social and medical services.

In areas suffering from drought, churches will also hold prayers for rain and favorable weather conditions. The Church urged believers to pay special attention to elderly people, those who are ill, and individuals living alone during the period of extreme heat.

The appeal comes as Romania faces severe weather conditions, with several western regions placed under the highest level of heat alert. Temperatures have reached around **40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)** and have remained unusually high even overnight. Meteorologists have warned of serious health risks and advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

A major sign of the ongoing crisis has been the sharp decline in the water level of the Danube River. In Romania, two nuclear reactors were temporarily shut down due to reduced river flow and insufficient water availability for cooling operations. The resulting decrease in electricity production led authorities to declare a nationwide state of emergency for the month of August.

The situation is part of a broader wave of extreme heat affecting Europe. Drought and record temperatures have contributed to major wildfires in countries including France, Spain, and Greece, while several nations have introduced restrictions on water use for agriculture.

Against this backdrop, the Romanian Orthodox Church has emphasized the importance of compassion, community support, and prayer during times of hardship. The Patriarchate expressed hope that cooperation between state authorities, society, and the Church would help reduce the impact of the heatwave and provide assistance to those facing the greatest challenges.