Critically low water level of the Danube at Ruse: the river has dropped to -101 cm

06.08.2026 | Bulgaria

The water level of the Danube River at Ruse continues to fall, reaching -101 cm. Strict navigation restrictions have been imposed due to the complex hydrological situation.

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Alarming trend: The Danube continues to drop

The water level of the Danube River at Ruse has marked a new drop, reaching minus 101 cm relative to the conditional zero. This represents a decrease of 4 centimeters in the last 24 hours alone, according to data from the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River (EAEMDR).

The hydrological situation along the river remains complicated, despite the trend of relative stabilization of water levels in some sections.

Shipping restrictions

Due to critically low water levels, draft restrictions for vessels remain in force for the entire Bulgarian section. Currently:

The Executive Director of the EAEMDR, Ivelin Zanev, emphasized that navigation is hindered and waiting is necessary in the shallowest sections. Although a minimal decrease is observed, the situation remains under constant monitoring.