The Danube River dropped to critical depths this summer in Bulgarian territory as water levels near Lom fell more than half a meter in seven days. Islands emerged in the riverbed, and the water retreated from protective barriers. Toni Yordanov monitors the river daily and said conditions worsen annually without rainfall.
Fishermen reported catches consisted mostly of small species, and Emil Milanov noted unstable water levels disrupted their work. River traffic faced obstacles beginning in July, forcing ferry services near Oryahovo to suspend operations for weeks. Engineer Toni Todorov from River Supervision said early low water forced vessels to reduce cargo loads, decreasing transport efficiency.
Water levels at Lom dropped below 50 centimeters above sea level this summer, though slight increases appeared recently. Todorov predicted a gradual 10-day decline without immediate danger to residents but attributed the trend to climate factors. Locals recalled April 23, 2006, when the river reached 978 centimeters, and forests now occupy the former waterway.
Fishermen reported catches consisted mostly of small species, and Emil Milanov noted unstable water levels disrupted their work. River traffic faced obstacles beginning in July, forcing ferry services near Oryahovo to suspend operations for weeks. Engineer Toni Todorov from River Supervision said early low water forced vessels to reduce cargo loads, decreasing transport efficiency.
Water levels at Lom dropped below 50 centimeters above sea level this summer, though slight increases appeared recently. Todorov predicted a gradual 10-day decline without immediate danger to residents but attributed the trend to climate factors. Locals recalled April 23, 2006, when the river reached 978 centimeters, and forests now occupy the former waterway.
