The exposed bed of the Rhine in Düsseldorf, Germany in April this year.
Rivers across Europe, including some of the continent’s most significant waterways, are experiencing severe dryness as a persistent heatwave continues to affect the region. The Danube, Rhine, Elbe, and Loire are among the rivers that have been impacted, raising concerns about drinking water supplies and trade.
The Danube, the second-longest river in Europe, has reached its lowest level in 30 years in Romania, where it empties into the Black Sea, according to the government agency Romanian Waters. The river’s flow at Baziaș, where it enters the country, has decreased to approximately 1,700 cubic meters per second, which is roughly a third of the average flow of 4,700 cubic meters per second in July.
The drought has resulted in long stretches of exposed sand on the banks near the border with Bulgaria, with several ferry services suspended and grain barges standing idle. The situation is expected to improve from July 20, when rainfall is forecasted in several counties.
On the other side of the continent, the Rhine has also been affected by the heatwave and drought. Recent reports in European media have noted that the water level in the river at the critical gauge at Kaub has been as low as 80-90 centimeters. The Rhine is a vital shipping route for commodities such as grains, minerals, ores, coal, and oil products, including petrol. Low water levels in the river have impacted navigation, with cargo ships forced to sail only partially loaded, significantly increasing transport and shipping costs across Europe’s industrial hubs.
The river is expected to rise slightly from its current low water levels after unexpected heavy rain in southern Germany, enabling ships to carry greater loads. In France, the 625-mile Loire river was recently reduced to a dry bed with isolated pools after weeks of intense heat in Montjean-sur-Loire. The Doubs River has also run dry, highlighting the worsening drought conditions.
