Climate crisis: Hungary closes nuclear power plant, Greece wildfires spread

Hungary has made history by shutting down its only nuclear power plant for the first time, due to record low levels of the Danube River causing energy supply strain. The Paks plant, located 120 km south of Budapest, accounts for 40% of the nation's electricity and was shut down early Sunday after one of its two reactors was turned off.

The final reactor is expected to be powered down later in the day, leaving the country at just over a tenth of its 2,000 megawatt capacity. Romania also declared a state of alert in the energy sector following a reduction in output at its own nuclear plant. Hungary is importing power to cover part of the shortfall and has asked large industrial companies to voluntarily reduce consumption, warning that mandatory reductions may be ordered.

The government has prioritized electricity cuts at firms and limited household usage, with rail freight halted at peak hours and decorative lighting off at state buildings. Water supplies are also strained, prompting the government to halt watering of grass and stadium pitches. Greece is grappling with multiple fronts, including wildfires that have devastated large swaths of forest and agricultural land.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned of "extremely difficult" days ahead, citing extreme weather conditions and winds reaching 100 km/h. Over 6,500 hectares have burned in separate fires on the Gulf of Corinth, with Porto Germeno village and others evacuated due to rapidly spreading blazes. Firefighters face daily challenges, with three deaths reported this week.

Greece's Civil Protection Minister described the department as "pushed to its limits" due to the climate crisis.