Water levels in Romania’s Danube River have fallen to their lowest level since 1996, causing disruptions to agriculture, transportation, and tourism.
According to Romania’s state water management agency, water flow at the river’s entry point into the country measured 1,700 cubic metres per second on Sunday, well below the typical July average of around 4,700 cubic metres per second.
Heatwaves and Drought Worsen Conditions
The sharp decline follows months of prolonged heatwaves and drought affecting waterways across Europe. The unusually dry conditions have significantly reduced river flows, creating challenges for several sectors.
Along the Danube near the Romania-Bulgaria border, large stretches of riverbed have become exposed. As a result, some ferry services have been suspended, grain barges have been delayed, and tourism activities along the river have been affected.
Irrigation Restrictions Introduced
Romanian authorities have imposed irrigation restrictions for farmers in southeastern parts of the country to conserve water supplies.
Officials are also carefully managing water reservoirs to maintain the minimum water levels needed to cool the two reactors operated by state-owned nuclear energy producer Nuclearelectrica.
Romania is one of the European Union’s largest grain exporters, making the low river levels a concern for both agriculture and trade.
Water Levels Expected to Improve
The water management agency said river levels are expected to gradually rise from Monday following heavy rainfall in several Romanian counties, offering some relief after the prolonged dry spell.
The Danube’s lowest water levels in nearly three decades have disrupted farming, shipping, and tourism across Romania. While forecast rainfall may improve conditions, the situation highlights the growing impact of prolonged heat and drought across Europe.