Giant excavators and barges mobilized for navigation rescue on Danube; river flow nears historic low

Romanian authorities have intensified intervention efforts in the Danube River area affected by an explosion, deploying large-capacity machinery and barges loaded with rocks. The goal is to restore navigation conditions on the vital waterway.

These measures are being taken as the river's water flow approaches a historic low. The National Administration "Apele Române" (Romanian Waters) has mobilized two excavators and barges to expedite work in the explosion-affected zone. The excavators are mechanically breaking rock debris to provide material for loading onto barges.

Simultaneously, a floating grab has been positioned for operations, with one barge scheduled to be loaded with approximately 500 cubic meters of material. Another barge is expected to be loaded later. A barge already loaded with rocks has departed from Galați, with a second one en route to support the ongoing work.

The intervention is critical as the Danube's water level is alarmingly low. Hydrology forecasts indicate the flow rate at Romania's entry point could drop below 1,400 cubic meters per second by August 7, potentially surpassing the historic minimum recorded in August 2003. The current flow is significantly below the multi-year average for July and August, and about 25% lower than last year. The low water level is also impacting areas like Cernavodă, where the Danube is at -218 centimeters. Without intervention, the level could drop further, prompting efforts to raise it by 10-12 centimeters.

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The rock is being mechanically broken in the explosion area to ensure sufficient material for loading the barges. The floating grab has been mounted in position. Tomorrow, a barge will be loaded with about 500 cubic meters of material, and during the evening, the loading of the second one will begin.