BECHET, Romania—Severe drought and unusually low water levels on the Danube River have disrupted river traffic in southern Romania, forcing cruise ships to alter itineraries or halt operations while authorities warned that navigation conditions could deteriorate further if dry weather persists.
Hydrological authorities said the Danube's flow entering Romania has fallen well below the long-term average for July after weeks of high temperatures and limited rainfall across parts of Central and Southeastern Europe. Large sandbanks have emerged along sections of the river, restricting navigation for commercial barges and passenger vessels.
At the southern Romanian port of Bechet, several cruise ships were unable to continue toward the Danube Delta because of insufficient water depth and remained docked while operators adjusted travel plans. According to local officials and cruise representatives, some passengers were transported by road to Bucharest after scheduled river programs were canceled.
Constantin Ionele, who operates the port of Bechet, told Euronews that river traffic had effectively stopped and that operators did not know when normal navigation could resume because water levels remained exceptionally low.
The drought has also interrupted cross-border transport. Ferry services linking Bechet in Romania with Oryahovo in Bulgaria have been suspended for several days because navigation could not be conducted safely, prompting authorities to advise motorists to use alternative border crossings.
Romania's National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management has forecast that Danube flows will remain significantly below seasonal averages, with water levels expected to decline further before stabilizing. Officials said the reduced discharge has also affected irrigation systems that depend on the river and lowered hydroelectric power generation at facilities along the Danube.
The disruption in Romania follows similar problems farther upstream. In Hungary, near-record low water levels have stranded or delayed cruise vessels, suspended some sightseeing services and led several operators to cancel departures, highlighting the broader impact of prolonged dry conditions across the Danube basin.
Romanian hydrologists said they would continue monitoring river conditions and update navigation guidance as weather forecasts and river flows evolve. No timetable has been announced for the full resumption of affected ferry or cruise services.
