Drought causes record-low river levels across Europe

Severe drought conditions are impacting major river systems across Europe, leading to record-low water levels and local restrictions. In Serbia, the Danube reached an absolute negative record of minus 169 centimeters at Bezdan. While there are signs of slight recovery, hydrologists warn that no significant improvement is expected until mid-September due to high temperatures and lack of rainfall. The low levels are attributed to a lack of Alpine snow and insufficient precipitation.

The water shortage has triggered restrictions in central Serbian towns such as Gornji Milanovac and Čačak. Residents face scheduled water outages, and local authorities have banned the use of municipal water for watering gardens, crops, and washing vehicles. Other rivers, including the Sava and Velika Morava, are also experiencing low water levels.

In Slovenia, the situation on the Drava river remains relatively stable due to mechanical flow management from hydroelectric plants, which maintains consistent levels for fish survival. However, local fishing families are struggling to manage smaller ponds. They are using compressors to aerate water and prevent fish deaths caused by rising temperatures. Authorities have warned against unauthorized water withdrawals from small streams, noting that such actions can lead to significant ecological damage and fish mortality.