The Danube River reaches record low water levels in Hungary, revealing ancient relics and causing energy shortages.
The Danube River in Hungary has reached unprecedentedly low water levels, with the capital of Budapest recording a water level of only 9 inches on Wednesday. This extreme drought, driven by human-driven climate crisis and intense evaporation, has exposed various relics, including a catapult projectile from the 16th century or earlier and a Nazi warship. Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which provides nearly half of Hungary's electricity, will be shut down for several weeks due to the lack of cooling water. This situation has placed the country in a state of heightened alert, as three-quarters of the country's water-shortage management districts are currently suffering severe shortages. The receding water has also disrupted shipping and tourism, forcing cargo ships to reduce their loads and causing some river cruises to be canceled. Experts warn that these conditions are becoming more common as fossil fuel consumption continues to drive up global temperatures.