Heat Wave Grips Europe as Danube Levels Drop

A wave of extreme heat continues to affect much of Europe and has forced several countries to take emergency measures. Italy has issued its highest-level health alert in all major cities for the first time, with temperatures in the north of the country exceeding 42C.

In Hungary, record-low water levels in the Danube have significantly curtailed operations at the country's only nuclear power plant, which relies on the river for cooling. The government has responded by turning off the lights at the Parliament, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge to conserve electricity. Romania is implementing similar measures.

Low water levels are also complicating shipping on the Rhine in Germany and increasing the cost of transporting goods. At the same time, the European Commission has called on member states to increase investment in wildfire prevention.

According to estimates, damage caused by this year's fires has already exceeded €15bn ($17.3bn). Meanwhile, tourists in Bosnia are seeking refuge in the Vjetrenica Cave, which maintains a year-round temperature of 11C.

(Reuters, mja)