Europe battles drought as low river levels hit economy, power supply
The drought also impacts the agricultural sector. The production of maize and sunflower crops is likely to be below average. The heatwaves have also disrupted road, rail, and shipping transport.
The drought also impacts the agricultural sector. The production of maize and sunflower crops is likely to be below average. The heatwaves have also disrupted road, rail, and shipping transport. The water level at Kaub, dipped to 24 centimetres on Monday and Tuesday. (Photo: TV9 Network)London:In recent times, the intense heatwave in Europe has resulted in hampering the region’s economic growth. Extreme heatwaves have resulted in low water levels in the region. In various areas, water demand has increased level of supply. According to a report published in CNBC, Romania’s only nuclear reactor was shut down recently. In Bucharest, authorities had to deploy naval forces to carry out underwater detonations in order to improve the flow of water. Also, low levels of water on Danube have athreatened to close Paks nuclear plant in Hungary. It supplies nearly 40 percent of the country’s electricity supply. Water level in Germany’s Rhine river lowest in 150 yearsThe water level in Germany’s Rhine River has fallen low in nearly 150 years. It has not only posed a risk to Germany’s economy, but has also impacted water supply. The water level at Kaub, also dipped to 24 centimetres on Monday and Tuesday. The critical level at Kaub gauge is 78 centimeters. While transport is still possible, cargo must be less heavily loaded for transportation. “Major rivers like the Rhine and Danube are critical trade corridors and sources of water for industry and energy generation, so when water levels fall, the effects extend far beyond the waterways themselves,” Liz Saccoccia, water security lead at the World Resources Institute, told CNBC by email. She added, “We’re already seeing that happen. Nuclear plants in Hungary, Romania and France, along with hydropower facilities in Serbia, have already had to reduce electricity generation because there isn’t enough water for cooling or driving turbines, increasing the risk of blackouts and costly electricity imports. ”Drought impacts agriculture sector in EuropeThe drought has an impact on the agriculture sector as well. As per dw. com, the production of maize and sunflower crops is likely to be below average. The heatwaves has also disrupted road, rail and shipping transport. A recent study by the University of Mannheim and the ECB suggested that heatwaves, droughts and floods have reduced Europe’s economy by 0. 3 percent last summer. It said that cumulative losses are likely to increase to 0. 8 percent by 2029. Persistently low water levels could further weigh on industrial production and growth. Subhajit Sankar DasguptaSubhajit Sankar Dasgupta has nearly 18 years of experience. Currently, he is serving as Associate Editor with news9live. com, a part of Associated Broadcasting Company Pvt Ltd. He started his career with The Pioneer and went on to work in a number of media organisations, including IANS, Financial Express Online, The Political and Business Daily, among others. Apart from online media, he has also worked in print media. Among the beats he covers include politics, sports and infrastructure. He has a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambeshwar University. During his free time, he likes to read books and play table tennis. Read MoreLatest Stories