The Danube has fallen to the critical threshold / Authorities have decided to reduce the transport flow on the Danube–Black Sea Canal

The Danube’s level at Cernavodă has fallen to or below the critical threshold of -262 centimetres for the third consecutive day, putting pressure on the water supply needed to cool the Nuclear Power Plant. According to forecasts by the Lower Danube River Administration, the level will remain below the threshold over the next five days.

The water level fell from -262 centimetres on Saturday to -266 centimetres on Sunday and -268 centimetres on Monday, with each figure representing a successive record low. If the estimates are confirmed, the Danube will remain at or below the critical threshold for eight consecutive days.

To protect the plant’s water supply, authorities have decided to reduce traffic flows on the Danube–Black Sea Canal. The locks will be opened only for essential transport, while a slight rise in the water level is expected after 23 October.

Units 1 and 2 at Cernavodă are being kept in a safe shutdown state. Nuclearelectrica says nuclear safety is ensured through redundant systems and water reserves, with the situation affecting only energy production. CNCAN stresses that reaching the operational threshold does not mean that a nuclear accident has occurred.