Romanian authorities carry out a controlled explosion on the Danube River to divert water toward the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant as prolonged drought drives river levels to record lows. Multiple outlets report that Romanian navy or military engineers use explosives to break up or remove a rock outcrop that restricts water flow in a section of the river, aiming to increase the volume available for the plant’s reactor cooling systems. The operation is described as an emergency response to conditions that threaten the reliability of cooling water supply. One report says the explosives charge is about 180 kilograms, while another notes the diversion is intended to send water to the “Old Danube” route feeding the nuclear facility. The developments come as Romania faces wider electricity disruption from low Danube water levels; the Guardian also reports Romania declares a nationwide state of emergency for August linked to reduced power production, and that regional impacts have included shutdowns or output cuts at nuclear plants dependent on the river. Hungary is also mentioned in connection with a potential short extension of power at its atomic facility.