Low Danube water levels disrupt shipping in Bulgaria

The exceptionally low level of the Danube in Bulgaria is disrupting navigation, with shipping all but grinding to a halt and fishing also severely affected. According to the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River, navigation restrictions have been introduced along several critical stretches of the river.

The river's water temperature has reached 24.7°C. Combined with the exceptionally low water level, this has prompted precautionary measures at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Station to ensure the safe and reliable operation of its reactors.

On 30 July, the river level remained stable or fell by up to two centimetres compared with the previous day. The low water level has also reduced the flow in wells supplying local water catchment systems, BTA reported.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

English editor: Elizabeth Radkova