Danube water levels hit record lows, revealing WWII ships

Water levels on the Danube River have fallen to record lows due to persistent drought and extreme heat waves this summer.2,3,4,1 The low water levels have forced power plants to reduce electricity output, raising concerns about energy shortages in Central and Eastern Europe.2,1 Governments in Central and Eastern Europe are implementing measures to conserve electricity and avert an energy crisis.2

Sunken German warships from World War II have emerged along the Danube River due to the record-low water levels.3,4 The Danube’s water levels in Budapest, Hungary, have dropped significantly, contributing to the crisis.2 Low water levels in the Danube, Rhine, and Po rivers have curtailed the transport of goods and reduced electricity output across Europe.1

The drought has deprived one of Europe’s largest rivers, the Danube, of water, pushing it to critical levels.2 The emerging warships are identified as German vessels from World War II, according to local reports.3,4