Record-low Danube River affects tourism and industry as drought and heat grip Central Europe

Record-low water levels in the Danube River, caused by a prolonged drought and heat wave, are disrupting tourism and industry across Central Europe. The river has exposed sand bars and shipwrecks, with Hungary's national water authority reporting levels at 23 cm in Budapest, the lowest on record. Cargo ships have halted operations, and a cruise ship ran aground in Bulgaria, stranding 186 tourists.