Hungary sinks barges into Danube River to stave off energy crisis
· UPIAug. 15 (UPI) -- Hungarian working crews are sinking two barges into the Danube River in an attempt to raise water levels and stave off an energy crisis, the prime minister said on Saturday.
Water levels of the 1,800-mile river have fallen to record lows amid a months-long drought across Europe.
To raise the waters, crews are sinking two 260-foot barges into the Danube River.
Hungary's only nuclear power plant, Paks, depends on water from the river to cool down its reactors.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar said current water levels on Saturday were 48 inches lower than usual, and could fall a further 4 inches by Monday.
If it falls that low, he added, the power plant would have to shut down one of its last two functioning turbines.
"Water management experts are continuously monitoring the water level, water velocity, and riverbed condition using a measuring vessel and installed measuring devices," Magyar said in a statement on X.
The plant is responsible for generating half the electricity needed by the country's 10 million people.