Record-low Danube exposes sandbanks, strands boats in Serbia

The Danube River, Europe's second-longest waterway, has plummeted to record lows, leaving tourist ports deserted and idle fishermen. In Romania's Corabia, pleasure boats are stranded, and the water is so shallow that vessels can no longer enter or exit due to sandbars. Locals report that the river is barely deep enough to reach their chests, while fishermen fear that within two years, they'll be able to walk across it entirely.

This unprecedented drought, exacerbated by human-induced climate change, has left countries along the Danube's 2,850-kilometer route struggling with navigation and power generation.

Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria have all felt the impact, with Hungary shutting down its nuclear power plant, which relies on the Danube for cooling, and Romania closing both of its reactors at the Cernavoda plant for the first time simultaneously. Serbia has also reduced power generation from its main hydroelectric plants.

Ferry services between Romania and Bulgaria have been suspended in some areas, and cruise ships have been evacuated due to low water levels. Cargo vessels are facing lengthy waits or reduced loads, while Hungarian cities and villages have introduced water restrictions.

Romania's water level is now one meter below the navigable minimum, prompting national authorities to introduce irrigation restrictions. Fishermen report catching fewer fish and fear for their crops, while fishermen in southern Romania described the water as having reached up to their ankles. Despite efforts to maintain a navigable channel, the situation remains exceptional, with no immediate relief in sight as the heatwave persists.