Extreme heat observed across European countries, including Hungary, has caused a sharp decline in the water level of the Danube River. Consequently, difficulties have arisen in navigation, including the operation of tourist cruises.
According to sea-news.az that this information was released by Hungary’s General Directorate of Water Management.
It is noted that on July 19, the water level of the Danube in the Budapest area was only 24 centimeters above the historic minimum recorded on October 25, 2018.
According to the forecast published on the organization’s official website, this situation is expected to continue at least until the end of next week. Low water levels are also being observed in the southern part of the country, including near the cities of Baja and Mohács.
According to local media, due to the situation, some cruise ships carrying hundreds of tourists have remained stationary in Komárom, north of Budapest, and in the Mohács region to the south. Mahart, a company that organizes river excursions, has temporarily suspended routes to the picturesque Danube Bend, where the cities of Esztergom and Visegrád are located.
However, pleasure boats operating within Budapest continue to serve tourists. Nevertheless, due to the low water level, passengers must use steep ramps to board river trams from the shore.
According to experts, one of the most striking indicators of the current situation is the re-emergence of the rock formation known as the “Hunger Rock,” located on the right bank of the Danube at the foot of Gellért Hill. This rock only becomes visible during extremely dry years marked by low agricultural productivity.
