Drava River in Osijek hits record low water level amid prolonged drought

The Drava River in Osijek, Croatia, has recorded its lowest water level since measurements began, falling below previously established minimums. The river's water level has been steadily decreasing due to a prolonged dry spell and adverse hydrological conditions impacting eastern Croatia.

On Friday, July 11, the water level at the Osijek measuring station reached -174 centimeters, surpassing the previous negative record of -172 centimeters set earlier in the week. This significant drop has altered the river's appearance, revealing large sandy shoals previously hidden beneath the surface. Some river branches have become extremely shallow, with certain areas nearly drying up completely.

The low water level is not only changing the landscape but also complicating navigation, particularly for vessels with deeper drafts, which must proceed with caution due to the shallows. Parts of the riverbed, usually submerged, are now exposed.

While the unusual sights attract onlookers to the Osijek promenade, experts caution about the potential ecological impact. Persistently low water levels can harm fish populations, degrade habitats, and disrupt the river's natural balance. This situation serves as another indicator of increasingly severe climate extremes affecting the region. Although the water level has slightly risen in recent days, it remains critically low, fluctuating between -174 and -160 centimeters, indicating a lack of significant stabilization.