site.btaLow Danube Levels Obstruct Navigation near Batin and Belene

Low water levels in the Danube have hindered navigation along the Bulgarian section of the river, Executive Director of the Executive Agency Study and Maintenance of the Danube River (EASMDR) Ivelin Zanev said on Tuesday.

Two shallow stretches have formed near the Batin and Belene islands, Zanev said.

EASMDR teams are carrying out daily monitoring and measurements at various points along the river. Dredging is currently under way in the limiting critical section near Batin Island to improve navigability, Zanev said.

He noted that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safe passage of vessels.

On Tuesday, the Danube water level at Ruse stood at seven centimetres above the conventional zero mark. Forecasts suggest a further drop of 12 centimetres over the following two days.

Zanev also noted that river levels since the start of the year have been below the hydrological average.