Record low water levels on Rhine and Danube disrupt European transport and power supply

Severe drought and heatwaves across Europe have driven water levels on major rivers to historic lows, disrupting navigation, agriculture, and power generation. Recent measurements in Cologne, Germany, and Lobith in the Netherlands recorded the lowest Rhine levels since record-keeping began. Meanwhile, saltwater from the Adriatic Sea continues creeping upstream into Italy's Po River as freshwater flow drops.

Along the Danube, shrinking water levels threaten energy operations across several nations. Romanian authorities performed controlled underwater detonations to maintain water flow toward the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. Regional meteorological and river monitoring services warn that continued dry weather could trigger further economic and supply chain disruptions.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, Klix, N1