A drought exacerbated by a relentless European heatwave has led to record low water levels in the Danube River, uncovering a World War II-era German warship near Prahovo, Serbia.
The vessel, believed to have been scuttled by its crew as they fled the advancing Soviet Army in the final days of the war, is now exposed as the river's water levels have fallen significantly.
This discovery highlights the severe impact of the ongoing heatwave, which has prompted a 'severe' weather warning in Serbia, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and expected to climb further.
The low water levels in the Danube, Europe's second-largest river, pose significant challenges beyond the historical artifact. An estimated 200 shipwrecks already lie submerged in the river, obstructing commercial shipping. The European Investment Bank notes that removing this debris costs Serbia approximately £4.3 million annually.
The crisis extends to energy production. Hungary's sole nuclear power plant, located in Paks, has been forced to shut down for the first time in its operational history because the Danube's receding waters mean its cooling system's suction nozzles can no longer reach the river. The plant generates about 40% of Hungary's yearly electricity.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar warned that the ongoing heatwave could make the nation's energy supply 'critical' as early as the upcoming week. The plant's operator has stated the shutdown is 'unavoidable.'
Romania has also taken measures, shutting down one of its nuclear reactors and planning to close a second due to the low river levels impacting their cooling capabilities. These actions are part of broader efforts across several European nations to mitigate fire risks and alleviate strain on water and energy infrastructures during this record-breaking hot spell.