Record-low Danube forces Hungary to shut only nuclear plant, plunging Budapest landmarks into darkness

Published Aug 6, 01:09 PM UTC

Due to a record-low water level in the Danube River, Hungary shut down its only nuclear power plant over the weekend for the first time in decades, as the plant relies on the river for cooling. This has triggered an energy crisis in Budapest, forcing the city to switch off lighting on landmarks including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. The ongoing heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, and lack of rainfall have caused the historic low. River cruise traffic on the Budapest section has halted, with ships stranded or rerouted to Komarom. While tourists express disappointment, locals show understanding. The blackout has unexpectedly benefited mayflies, which are attracted to light pollution and now swarm safely over the Danube. Similar austerity measures are reported in Bucharest, Romania.

Content shown outside its original language is machine translated and condensed.