Low Water Levels: Drought Revealed Shipwrecks

All of Europe is suffering from drought – the interaction of high heat and little precipitation makes it even more extreme this year than in previous years. As a result, the water levels in many rivers have recently fallen drastically. As a result, many historical finds could be made. Both warships from the Second World War and so-called hunger stones or a 450-kilogram bomb were uncovered.

Warships rise out of the water

Due to the low level of the Danube, German warships from the Second World War appeared in Serbia. Of the approximately 200 ships that are said to have sunk there, more than 20 have surfaced so far. Not only is the navigable area severely restricted by the wrecks, the biggest problem is the loads on the warships. Many of these are still loaded with tons of ammunition and explosives.

The Serbian government would like to provide around 29 million euros to remove the wrecks.

“Hunger stones” are reminiscent of past periods of drought

The low water levels of the Rhine, the Elbe and the Weser also revealed interesting things. So-called “hunger stones” have come to light. On these you can find inscriptions reminiscent of past periods of drought, water shortages and food shortages.

One of these hunger stones has appeared on the banks of the Elbe in the Czech city of Decín – with a “warning” message: “If you see me, then cry.” In addition, several dates can be seen on the stone, the oldest dates from the 17th century.

450-kilogram bomb found in Italy

On July 25, a 450-kilogram World War II bomb was found in the dry Po river bed near the city of Mantua, Italy. The blast took place in a controlled manner.

consequences of climate change

Experts attribute these extreme conditions to climate change. Excessive heat, unusually heavy rainfall or hardly any rain are effects of the warming of the planet.

In Switzerland there is a large glacier melt due to climate change. Both the wreckage of a plane that crashed in 1968 and two skeletons came to light this summer.

All of Europe is affected by the drought