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. Much of Central Europe has been under a prolonged drought for most of the year, and successive heat waves have accelerated evaporation and caused waterways to dry out. Low water levels force nuclear plant shut downsThe 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. Horváth said that while “having so little water in the Danube is a blessing for this kind of activity, otherwise, it’s a curse.”