Low River Levels Across Europe Uncover Ancient Relics and Disrupt Energy and Transport
Severe drought has driven the Danube and other European rivers to historic lows, exposing prehistoric bones, a 1937 cargo ship and a WWII-era warship, while also hampering energy production, shipping and tourism.
Record-low water levels in the Danube and other rivers across Europe have revealed long-submerged artifacts, including a mammoth jaw and tusks uncovered on the Bulgarian riverbank, a 1937 coal-laden cargo ship in Croatia and a sunken Nazi warship in Serbia.
Scientists say the extreme heat and dry conditions that have lowered river flows are linked to the ongoing climate crisis, which also intensifies wildfires and strains water supplies.
In Budapest, the Danube fell to a depth of nine inches, breaking the previous low set in 2013, prompting Hungary’s prime minister to announce the shutdown of the Paks nuclear plant, which relies on river water for cooling.
"For the first time in 44 years, the entire Paks Nuclear Power Plant will be completely shut down due to the record-low water level of the Danube. An energy crisis situation may arise from Monday," Prime Minister Peter Magyar posted on X.
Reduced river depths have forced cargo vessels to lighten loads, slowed shipping and caused some river cruises to cancel or alter routes; a cruise ship ran aground on a sandbank in Bulgaria.
Lake Brenets, fed by the River Doubs on the Swiss-French border, has nearly dried up, leaving boats stranded on its exposed bed.
"The heat dries the soil, empties the rivers and drives up demand for water all at once. That is the fingerprint of a changing climate," said Hannah Cloke, Regius professor of meteorology and climate science at the University of Reading.
"Summers like this are becoming part of the ordinary range, and they will keep getting worse as long as we burn fossil fuels," she added.