Critically low level of the Danube River makes navigation difficult along the Bulgarian section

The critically low water level of the Danube River is making navigation difficult along the Bulgarian section. This was reported to BTA by Ivelin Zanev, head of the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River (EAEMDR) in Ruse.

The level of the Danube at Ruseon September 10 is minus four centimetres compared to the reference zero point. The forecast for the next two days is that it will drop by another nine centimetres.

Four critical water level thresholds are currently hampering navigation. "The sections difficult for navigation are in the areas of Belene, Batin, Vardim and Vetren islands," Zanev said.

He explained that the EAEMDR 's marking vessel "Osam" carries out regular sailings and measurements in the critical sections to ensure maximum gauges of the waterway.

A slight rise in the river level is expected in a few days.

"Due to the intense rainfall that has started in the upper and middle reaches of the river, the forecast is for a slight rise in water levels within ten days. This will normalise navigation conditions in the short term," Zanev added.

Source: BTA