Danube River water levels drop critically in Bulgaria

The Danube River is experiencing critically low water levels along its Bulgarian stretch, causing significant disruptions to shipping and local fishing activities. In the village of Koshava near Vidin, the water has receded so far that boats are now situated approximately 200 meters from the shoreline. Local residents report that the river has never appeared this shallow in recent memory, noting that areas previously submerged are now dry land, with nearby islands beginning to grow willow vegetation.

While hydrometric stations have recorded slight increases in water levels in certain areas—such as a 20-centimeter rise near Vidin over two days—overall values across the Bulgarian river basin remain negative. Previous readings showed levels as low as minus 75 centimeters at Novo Selo and minus 28 centimeters at Lom. The Executive Agency ‘Danube River Research and Maintenance’ is monitoring the situation to determine if the downward trend persists.