Europe Swept by Heat and Drought: 1373 Rivers Dry Up in France, Floating Homes in Netherlands Run Aground

Europe is feeling the effects of a heatwave, with drought also sounding the alarm. Belgium will see temperatures rise to 35 degrees, while France has set a record for the number of dried-up rivers. A heatwave alert has been issued for the whole of Belgium until Sunday. The country will be under a yellow alert. From Thursday, temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees in some areas. In France, 1373 rivers have dried up as of August 1. The country is facing a drought threat. The number of dried-up rivers has increased by 554 compared to the previous month. Water restrictions are in place in over half of the country's provinces. In the Netherlands, the drought is affecting the rivers. The drop in water levels in the Waal River has caused floating homes to run aground. The drought is also affecting the Netherlands' dykes. The low water levels are also affecting transportation. Cargo ships are carrying less load than usual. The drought is also having an impact on agriculture. Farmers are banned from drawing water for irrigation purposes. In Serbia, the receding waters of the Danube River have revealed the wreckage of a German warship.