Danube at 30-Year Low in Romania as Heatwave Dries Europe’s Rivers

Major waterways across Europe experience severe depletion due to a persistent and extreme heatwave. The Danube, Rhine, Elbe, and Loire record drying conditions, disrupting river transport and exposing riverbeds in multiple locations.

Europe River Depletion During Heatwave:

Dimension	Key Details
Rivers reported as dried up	The Danube, Rhine, Elbe, and Loire are reported as dried up.
Danube: Rank in Europe	The Danube is Europe’s 2nd-longest river.
Danube: Current status in Romania	The Danube has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years in Romania.
Danube: Entry point and flow	At Baziaș, where the river enters Romania, the flow drops to approximately 1,700 cubic meters per second.
Danube: Usual July average flow	The usual July average flow is 4,700 cubic meters per second.
Danube: Reported impacts	Low levels result in exposed sandbanks, suspended ferry services, and idle grain barges.
Rhine: Shipping role	The Rhine is a critical European shipping lane for coal, oil products, grains, and minerals.
Rhine: Gauge and water level	Water levels hover around 80–90 centimeters at the Kaub gauge.
Rhine: Transport consequence	Low water levels force cargo ships to sail partially loaded, increasing transport and shipping costs for European industrial hubs.
Loire (France): Recent condition and location	Driven by weeks of intense heat, the Loire is recently reduced to a dry riverbed with isolated pools in areas like Montjean-sur-Loire.
Doubs (France): Recent condition	The Doubs River has run completely dry.