Record-low Danube River affects tourism, industry as drought and heat grip Central EuropeRecord-low Danube River water levels caused by prolonged drought and extreme heat have disrupted shipping, tourism and nuclear power generation across Central Europe. The Danube River, which runs through 10 countries from southwestern Germany to the Black Sea, has receded to never-before-seen lows along much of its course, exposing rocks, sand bars and old shipwrecks that have rarely been seen before. Low water levels force nuclear plant shutdownsThe receding waters are also affecting nuclear energy production in numerous countries where water from the Danube is typically used to cool reactors. Drought exposes treasures and dangersThe exposed river bed can also pose dangers. Last week, authorities in Budapest closed the Margaret Bridge after a bomb dating from World War II was exposed at its base by the receding water levels.