Record-low water levels on the Danube and Rhine rivers, driven by extreme heat and drought, are causing widespread disruption to energy production, shipping, and tourism across central and eastern Europe. In Hungary and Romania, nuclear power plants have been forced to shut down or reduce output, raising fears of an energy crisis. The parched waterways have also revealed sunken WWII warships, a wartime bomb, and even the remains of an ancient woolly mammoth.
Nuclear Power Plants Affected
Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant, the largest in the country and supplier of nearly half of its electricity, has been cutting output since Monday. Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that the plant is operating at less than 50% capacity and is expected to be completely powered down next week. The shutdown could last for weeks as Danube water levels are predicted to remain too low for restart. "An energy crisis situation could arise beginning Monday," he posted on X, urging coordinated steps and restraint to avoid severe consequences.
In Romania, the Cernavodă nuclear power plant shut down one reactor unit earlier in the week for safety reasons, with a second scheduled to be switched off soon. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan indicated the shutdowns could last one to two weeks and urged Romanians to reduce evening power consumption.
Energy and Industrial Measures
Hungarian authorities have asked citizens to reduce energy use during peak evening hours, including avoiding EV charging and switching off air conditioners. Carmakers and battery manufacturers have been ordered to cut power and water consumption. A malfunction at Hungary's largest gas-fired power plant in Százhalombatta has further strained the grid.
Shipping and Tourism Disrupted
The Danube, which flows through 10 countries, has receded to unprecedented lows, forcing cargo ships to travel with reduced loads and causing lengthy delays. In Budapest, cruise ships have docked upriver, and sightseeing cruises have been cancelled. Hungary's transport ministry reported that cargo ship operations have nearly halted. The river is expected to continue falling, with no significant rain forecast and temperatures exceeding 38°C across the region.
On the Rhine in Germany, water levels fell to near-record lows on Friday, forcing vessels to reduce cargo to about 20% of normal capacity. The Rhine is a vital shipping artery for grains, minerals, ores, coal, and oil products, creating potential bottlenecks for German industry. Dutch officials reported the Rhine at its lowest recorded level at the point where it enters the Netherlands, with further declines expected.
Historical Artifacts and Hazards Exposed
The receding waters have revealed a sunken German warship from WWII in Prahovo, Serbia, and a wartime bomb exposed at the base of Budapest's Margaret Bridge, prompting its closure. In Bulgaria, a resident of Ryahovo village discovered the bones of a woolly mammoth on the riverbed, which specialists from the Regional History Museum in Ruse are investigating.
Impact on Livelihoods
In Serbia, hundreds of small boats and dozens of cargo ships are marooned near Novi Sad. Radovan Segrt, a houseboat owner who runs river excursions, told the Associated Press that the Danube has withdrawn about 15 to 20 metres from its shore. "The summer season is over now, as far as boat riding is concerned," he said. In Bulgaria, fishers are out of work as low water levels trap their boats. Rossen Dobrev, a fisher, told Agence France-Presse: "It's never dried up this much before. Now we can even walk all the way to Romania."
Widespread Water Shortage
The Netherlands has faced an officially recognized water shortage since mid-July, leading to usage restrictions across most of the country, particularly in farming. The compounding crises highlight the severe impacts of climate change on Europe's waterways, with experts warning of more frequent and extreme events in the future.
