Record low Danube levels strand ships and force nuclear plant shutdowns

The Danube River, which flows through ten countries from Germany to the Black Sea, has reached water levels lower than any recorded in recent history. In Budapest, the national water authority reported a level of 23 cm (9 in), surpassing the previous low of 33 cm set in 2018. Forecasts show little rain and temperatures above 38 °C (100 °F), suggesting further declines.

The drought has disrupted navigation. Cruise ships that normally dock in Budapest are now forced to anchor farther upriver, and cargo traffic has nearly ceased, according to Hungary’s Ministry of Transport and Investment. In Bulgaria, police evacuated 186 tourists from the Viking Ullur after the vessel ran aground near Vidin and ran out of food and water. In Serbia, dozens of cargo vessels and small boats were left stranded near Novi Sad as the river receded 15–20 m (50–65 ft) from the shore.

Nuclear facilities that depend on Danube water for cooling are also affected. Romania’s Cernavodă plant reduced output and shut down one reactor after flow fell to about one-third of the July average. Hungary’s Paks plant began powering down a reactor on Wednesday following earlier reductions at two other units.

The exposed riverbed has revealed historical artifacts and hazards. Budapest authorities closed Margaret Bridge after a World-War II bomb was uncovered. Treasure hunter Zsolt Horváth used a magnet to retrieve items such as an old radio amplifier and bullet casings from the dry banks.

"The bare rocks, the dry sand bars around the bridge pillars … it’s all shocking to see how things were before and how they are now," said photographer Gábor Kertész, who documented the exposed shoal.

"The summer season is over now, as far as boat riding is concerned," said river-excursion operator Radovan Segrt in Novi Sad.

Meteorological data indicate that 90-day precipitation totals across Hungary are 80–130 mm (3.1–5.1 in) below multi-year averages, contributing to the prolonged drought that has laid bare the Danube’s banks.