Low water levels have triggered difficulties in Croatia, Hungary and Romania, with record lows on the Danube River causing disruptions to infrastructure, energy production and daily life. In Croatia, measurements at the Batica hydrometric station, located in Baranja on the easternmost part of the country near the Serbian border, showed a record low of -142 centimeters for the Danube, surpassing the previous record set in 1909. Similarly, the Drava River recorded even lower levels, ranging between -172 and -192 centimeters at different measuring stations. These extreme conditions have raised concerns among officials and prompted calls for responsible water usage. In Croatia, the head of the state water management agency, Zoran Đuroković, warned of serious situations but emphasized that water supply remains stable for now. Speaking to Croatian television HRT, he urged citizens to use water and electricity more efficiently. He explained that the energy company HEP is adjusting the amount of water used for electricity generation to ensure a biological minimum, aiming to maintain balance and act responsibly toward nature. “We want to preserve equilibrium and act responsibly towards nature,” he added. The low water levels are affecting both plant and animal life along and around the rivers. According to the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, three barges sank near the settlements of Bogojevo and Bezdan due to the exceptionally low water level on the Danube. Similar challenges are being faced in Hungary and Romania, where the Danube’s extremely low levels are impacting cooling systems at nuclear reactors. In Romania, authorities have blasted rock embankments along the Danube to redirect water flow for cooling one reactor at the nuclear power plant. Another reactor has already been shut down. Hungary, meanwhile, postponed the shutdown of its nuclear power plant for several days. Both countries have called for reduced energy consumption, urging citizens to conserve electricity. In Hungary, the load on the grid dropped slightly on Monday evening, allowing the government to avoid implementing emergency measures for now. However, if voluntary conservation efforts fail to meet demands, similar measures could be introduced in Romania. Romania has taken further steps, temporarily halting some industrial operations to reduce electricity demand. For example, two factories belonging to companies Dacia and Ford were closed for two weeks. These actions reflect the severity of the current situation and the urgency of managing resources amid the unprecedented drought conditions. The impact extends beyond just energy and transportation. Water scarcity is also affecting agricultural activities and local ecosystems. In Croatia, the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure noted that the low water levels have created hazardous conditions for river navigation, leading to accidents such as the sinking of barges. This highlights the broader consequences of prolonged dry spells on both human and environmental systems. Across the region, governments are coordinating responses, sharing information and implementing contingency plans. While immediate supplies remain sufficient, long-term sustainability is under scrutiny. Experts warn that such extreme weather patterns may become more frequent due to climate change, necessitating adaptive strategies for future resource management. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on maintaining essential services while mitigating the risks posed by these unprecedented low water levels.
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