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Bronze 2025 Editorial / Environmental

When The Danube Rises: Budapest In Water

  • Photographer
    Ma Xiaonan
  • Agency / Studio
    Not Invisible Production

In Sept 2024, the Danube River overflowed, submerging large portions of Budapest’s lower embankments. These photographs document the surreal transformation of the city’s iconic riverfront: STOP signs nearly submerged, Parliament’s steps lapped by rising waters, and tourists and locals gathering at the very edge of safety. Through this visual essay, I seek to capture the intersection of urban infrastructure, human presence, and the force of nature. The flooding is not merely a disruption — it is a quiet warning about resilience, planning, and the unpredictable rhythm of climate.

I am a Guangzhou-grownup photographer with over 15 years in news media. My career includes nearly a decade of experience in film and media production as a commercial director and photographer. In 2020, my family and I relocated to Budapest, starting a new life and work chapter abroad. This move has enriched my creative perspective, integrating diverse cultural elements into my projects. I am passionate about storytelling and dedicated to excellence, creating compelling visual stories that resonate globally.

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