Europe Grapples with Severe Drought as Rivers Reach Critical Lows

The Paks plant generates approximately half of Hungary's electricity; its closure will significantly impact the nation's energy supply.

Romania has also triggered a state of emergency, responding to record low river levels across the country. Energy conservation measures there have already led to two car-makers halting production.

The drought's impact extends across Europe. Levels in Cologne and Lobith on the Rhine sit lower than at any point since records began.

The navigable water depth at Kaub near Koblenz hit the 2018 record low of 25cm, impeding vital shipping routes.

Italy's Po river also reached a historic low near Cremona in late July, exacerbating agricultural and environmental concerns.

Lower river flows at the mouth of the Po have pushed saltwater from the sea into the riverbed, threatening freshwater ecosystems.

Extreme conditions have even revealed historical artifacts. A sunken Nazi ship from the Second World War era was uncovered in the Danube due to diminished water levels.

Wildfires rage across Europe, with Greece severely affected by the ongoing heatwave. Two crew members died when their firefighting helicopter collided with another near Psatha, Greece.

Renewed heatwave conditions are expected to continue for at least another week. Temperatures above 40C grip many central and southern European countries.

Human-caused climate change increases the evaporation of moisture through higher temperatures, making drought conditions more likely.

Extreme weather, including wildfires in the US and floods in India, grips much of the world.

England and Wales are just coming out of the driest July on record, adding to widespread concerns about water scarcity.