Balkans battle wildfires amid heatwave, Danube levels drop

Firefighters across the Balkans are engaged in a relentless struggle against wildfires, as a severe heatwave grips the region with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. The prolonged period of intense heat and drought has created tinderbox conditions, allowing fires to spread rapidly through several Balkan countries, including Albania and Serbia.

In Serbia, the dangerous conditions have led to a fatality. A man died in a village 40 kilometers east of Belgrade after losing control of a fire he had lit near his home. "This is the most serious consequence of irresponsible behavior. I call once again on all citizens to exercise the greatest caution," stated police official Luka Kausić.

Large fires are raging uncontrollably in the Ibar Valley in central Serbia, where firefighters, supported by aerial resources, are working to protect nearby villages. Local media footage shows smoke billowing over pine forests as flames approach hillsides close to residential areas. Smoke from a fire in a protected habitat has even been visible from Belgrade.

Meanwhile, Albanian authorities have managed to bring dozens of fire outbreaks under control. However, in the southern part of the country, flames have forced residents to evacuate their homes. Authorities have issued warnings of extreme fire risk across a large part of the region.

The persistent heatwave has significantly worsened drought conditions across Europe. The Danube River, a vital waterway, has reached historically low levels in many sections. This has led to reduced hydroelectric power generation and disrupted oil imports transported via the river to Serbia. In Bezdan, where the Danube enters Serbia, the river's level has fallen to a historic low recorded last week. The Krško Nuclear Power Plant in Slovenia announced on Wednesday it would reduce its output to 80% due to low water levels and high temperatures in the Sava River, warning of further reductions if conditions necessitate.