Hungary is taking extreme measures to protect its energy supply, as intense summer heat pushes the Danube River to record low levels.

Authorities have begun sinking two barges to raise the water level near the Paks nuclear power plant, which generates more than a third of the country's electricity.

Nuclear expert Attila Aszodi told DW the move aims to ensure the plant can continue drawing enough water to cool its reactors and maintain normal operations amid increasingly challenging climate conditions.