Romania Resumes Sinking Barges in Danube to Aid Nuclear Plant

The barges, filled with rocks and aligned in a convoy, were transported to the entrance of the Bala branch, where they will be sunk through controlled flooding to create an underwater obstacle, directing more water toward the Old Danube branch and ultimately to the plant for reactor cooling. The first barge began sinking at 3 PM and is expected to be fully submerged within hours, with the entire operation targeted for completion by evening, according to Ana Maria Agiu, spokesperson for Romanian Waters. Agiu noted that even a few centimeters of increased water level would be beneficial for the plant's operation. The sinking follows dredging and controlled explosions aimed at slowing the Danube's water level drop, but long-term sustainability remains uncertain.