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Record Low Rhine, Danube Cripple Shipping and Power

8/4/2026

42 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On 31 July, the Rhine at Kaub fell to a record low depth of 25 cm.
NIWIS said extreme low water affected 44 % of Rhine stations and 78 % of Danube stations by the end of July.
The Danube’s 30-year low reduced Hungary’s nuclear plant output to 10 % capacity.
Martin Wolters of the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority warned that ships must spread cargo, raising transport costs.

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Story summary

On 31 July, the Rhine at Kaub fell to a record low depth of 25 cm.
NIWIS said extreme low water affected 44 % of Rhine stations and 78 % of Danube stations by the end of July.
The Danube’s 30-year low reduced Hungary’s nuclear plant output to 10 % capacity.
Martin Wolters of the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority warned that ships must spread cargo, raising transport costs.