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

The Danube River has reached record-low water levels due to a prolonged drought and heat wave in Central Europe, disrupting tourism and industry. In Budapest, the river's level dropped to 23 cm, forcing cruise ships to dock farther upriver and halting cargo operations. A Viking cruise ship ran aground near Bulgaria’s Vidin, stranding 186 tourists, though the company denied reports of food or water shortages.