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Europe’s Rivers Hit Historic Lows, Uncover Warwrecks and Mammoth Fossils

8/5/2026

48 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Germany Low Water

Germany said the Rhine’s depth at Kaub fell to 24 cm, the lowest since 1880.
Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant recorded the Danube at a historic low of minus 42 inches on July 27, far below typical levels.
Serbia cut output at coal-fired power plants because low water disrupted cooling.
ING estimates the Rhine’s low water could cut German GDP growth by up to 0.3 percentage points in 2026, costing €1-2 billion in Q3.

Summary

German Warships Surface

Dozens of WWII German warships scuttled near Prahovo in September 1944 are now exposed as the Danube dries.
At least 20 of the estimated 200 wrecks are visible from the riverbank.
Several hulks still contain weapons and unexploded ordnance, limiting locals to distant viewing.
In Ryahovo, Bulgaria, scientists uncovered a young woolly mammoth’s jaw, tusk fragments, shoulder blade and femur from one animal.

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Germany Low Water

Germany said the Rhine’s depth at Kaub fell to 24 cm, the lowest since 1880.
Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant recorded the Danube at a historic low of minus 42 inches on July 27, far below typical levels.
Serbia cut output at coal-fired power plants because low water disrupted cooling.
ING estimates the Rhine’s low water could cut German GDP growth by up to 0.3 percentage points in 2026, costing €1-2 billion in Q3.

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