The Danube River reaches record-low water levels, disrupting nuclear power production and river navigation across Central Europe.
The Danube River has receded to never-before-seen lows, impacting infrastructure and industry across 10 countries. In Hungary, the national water authority measured the river at 23 centimeters, breaking the previous record low of 33 centimeters. This prolonged drought and heat wave have forced the Paks nuclear plant to reduce power output and the Cernavoda power plant in Romania to shut down reactor units for safety. Beyond energy production, the low water levels have significantly hindered river traffic. Cargo ships have nearly ceased operations, and cruise ships are forced to dock further upriver. In Bulgaria, 186 tourists were evacuated from a ship that ran aground due to shallow water. In Serbia, hundreds of boats are marooned on the dried-out banks. The receding water has also exposed historical artifacts, such as a World War II-era bomb at the base of Budapest's Margaret Bridge. Experts attribute these conditions to the ongoing effects of climate change as the continent faces one of its hottest summers on record.