Prolonged dry weather has reshaped Slovakia's largest river, exposing new beaches, cutting off side channels and disrupting river transport.
Persistently dry weather and prolonged drought have pushed the Danube to exceptionally low levels, exposing gravel beaches along the river and transforming parts of its riverbed into unexpected summer destinations.
Cyclists, dog walkers and families have stopped by the newly revealed shores to swim, skip stones and take in the unusual sight of the exposed riverbed. In places that have remained dry since spring, vegetation has already begun to take over, reports the daily Denník N.
The Danube currently measures around 2.5 metres in Bratislava, while at nearby Devín the water level has dropped to just 125 centimetres. For comparison, the first flood alert in Bratislava is declared at 650 centimetres.
The low water level in the Danube's main channel has also dramatically affected its side arms.
