Ina Fassbender | Afp | Getty ImagesThe drought in Europe is so severe that it is jeopardizing countries' economic growth and forcing them to take extreme measures like blowing up riverbeds. Low water levels on the Danube have also threatened to close Hungary's Paks nuclear plant, which supplies around 40% of the country's electricity, and forced Serbia to cut hydropower generation. A controlled underwater explosion is pictured on the riverbed of the Danube River in Izvoarele village, on August 3, 2026. "Along the Danube, low water levels have prevented farmers from shipping their crops and stopped cruise ships from reaching ports such as Budapest. What low water levels mean for freight and supply chainsThe issue shines a light on a critically important environmental issue: water scarcity.