Danube low water level hampers navigation and tourism in Hungary and Serbia

Record low water levels on the Danube have led to severe navigation restrictions in both Hungary and Serbia. In Hungary, reduced river depth forced the grounding of large hotel ships near Budapest and prompted the transport of tourists by bus. The Velencei Lake water level fell to just 43 cm, highlighting broader water‑scarcity concerns. Environment minister Gajdos László said a new water‑retention plan is being prepared, warning that up to a million people could face desert‑like conditions in the coming years.

In Serbia’s Vojvodina region, the Danube fell to a mere 26 cm at Novi Sad, exposing sandbars and making traditional river routes inaccessible. Professional river‑boat operators reported restricted traffic and heightened risk of collisions for smaller craft. The low flow also affected the ecosystem, with rising water temperatures and reports of fish deaths in the Tisza tributary. Officials noted that the situation mirrors a similar low‑water year, emphasizing the need for improved water‑management measures across the basin.