The Danube River has recently dropped to its record-low water level at the Serbian entry point of Bezdan, falling 20 centimeters below the historical low in 1909.
It is triggered by an intense, multi-week heatwave and the severe summer drought, threatening local shipping, power generation, and river ecosystems, with some areas declaring a state of emergency. The Danube River has served as a vital artery for Serbia's refined oil imports, but low water level has forced barges to slash cargo loads, reducing oil transport volume to just 25 percent of normal levels and straining local energy supplies.
"We are already facing actual problems. Right now, ships cannot sail fully loaded and are forced to reduce cargo. If the water level continues to drop, it could trigger a bigger crisis in the future," said Dragan, a local resident.
The reduced flow has also affected Serbia's largest hydro station Iron Gate, which normally accounts for about 20 percent of the country's total electricity generated. The station's output has fallen to roughly 40 percent of normal capacity as the heatwave pushes domestic power demand to winter-peak levels.
The Serbian government has convened an emergency meeting, urging businesses, public institutions, and citizens to use electricity rationally.
Experts note that the Danube River typically reaches its annual minimum in August, but forecasts show no significant rainfall expected across Serbia or upstream countries throughout the month, suggesting the crisis will deepen further.
Danube River in Serbia drops to record-low water level, crippling energy grid, river transport
Danube River in Serbia drops to record-low water level, crippling energy grid, river transport
