European drought pushes Rhine and Danube to record lows, threatening power output

A severe European heatwave and prolonged drought have reduced major rivers to historic low water levels, triggering energy supply warnings and emergency measures across the region.

Record low levels were reported along the Rhine at Cologne in Germany and Lobith in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, critical conditions along the Danube have disrupted regional energy infrastructure. Romanian authorities conducted controlled underwater detonations to clear water flow toward the Cernavodă nuclear power station.

In Serbia, power production at the Đerdap hydroelectric facility dropped to its lowest level since its commissioning in the early 1970s. Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut convened an emergency headquarters session as the government urged citizens to conserve electricity while daily temperatures reached up to 39 degrees Celsius.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, HRT Vijesti, N1