Danube River low water levels trigger emergency operations in Serbia and Bulgaria

Record low water levels in the Danube River have prompted emergency water management operations in Serbia and Bulgaria to protect critical infrastructure and ecosystems.

In Serbia, the Bezdán II pumping station has been restarted following urgent technical measures. After ceasing operations on July 30 due to the drought, the station resumed work on August 8. By constructing a temporary dam and blocking the supply channel, officials raised the water level by approximately one meter. The station is currently delivering about three cubic meters of water per second to the Great Bačka Canal, ensuring water levels in West Bačka are maintained. Additionally, the Bogojevo system is operating at a reduced capacity, pumping six cubic meters of water per second.

In Bulgaria, an operation is underway to transfer water from the Danube to the Srebarna Reserve to combat the impact of receding water levels. Approximately 1.8 million cubic meters of water have been transferred so far. Authorities are discussing dredging sediment near the lake and the Tanasovo fishing village to facilitate better water flow from the main Danube channel. To protect pumping equipment from algae blooms caused by high water temperatures, boom barriers have been installed. Navigation restrictions remain in effect across the entire Bulgarian stretch of the river.