A satellite image of low water levels along the Loire River in France on August 2. Copernicus

An ongoing drought in Europe has sapped French rivers. Officials say that 43 percent of small waterways in France have been partially or completely dried up.

Of the more than 3,000 small waterways in France, 1,373 have seen their flow interrupted or halted, according to an analysis from the French Office for Biodiversity. The agency said rivers were desiccated in every region, describing the drying as “the most critical situation ever observed at this time of year.”

Large waterways have also been hard hit. On the Loire River, water levels typically drop in the summer, inhibiting boat travel, but this year sightseeing boats had to suspend operations a month earlier than usual as the river dried up .…