Romania's only operating reactor at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant has enough water to continue operating for another nine days, authorities said, as record-low Danube levels have forced emergency measures to secure the cooling supply.
Romania's Energy Ministry has redirected part of the Danube's flow toward the plant to maintain the water levels needed to cool the reactor. Officials warned, however, that if the current conditions persist, the available water resource will only be sufficient for the next nine days.
The emergency operation included blowing up a rock formation, dredging the riverbed and sinking four barges loaded with stones. Authorities also built a temporary structure to redirect more water toward the plant. The measures have raised the water level around the facility by about four centimeters.
"Based on current forecasts, this development allows the necessary conditions for the reactor to operate for at least the next nine days," the Energy Ministry said.
The Danube remained at a record low near the Romanian shore. Authorities are hoping for an improvement after August 15, when rainfall from the river's upper reaches is expected to reach Romania and increase water levels.
