The Danube's flow at the entrance to the country continues to decrease
Articol de Mihai Bădescu, 23 August 2024, 00:54
The water flow of the Danube at the entrance to the country continues to decrease, according to a report sent by representatives of the Romanian Water Agency.
It has reached a value well below the multi-year average and, although hydrologists forecast a slight increase in the volume of water after August 25, this will be insufficient to solve navigation problems.
Flows on the Danube have fallen over the last 24 hours and now stand at 2.450 m³/s, well below the multi-year average of 3.400 m³/s recorded at this time in August.
River flows have been decreasing downstream of the Iron Gates hydropower plant, in Salcia, Gruia, Bechet and Calafat, where very low water levels make navigation difficult.
In Salcia, Mehedinti, sand sills have appeared on the navigable channel, which may jeopardize navigation safety.
Port Authority officials have issued warnings and recommend loading ships at lower capacities to avoid stranding on these sand beaches.
One of the effects of the critical drop in the Danube's flow has been the suspension of ferry crossings from Bechet to Bulgaria, so tourists who want to reach resorts in Bulgaria have to turn to other border crossings.
Translated by: Radu Matei
