Rhine in Cologne hits record-low water level amid drought
Regional office data show the Rhine near Cologne at historic lows; levels expected to fall further over the week.
The Rhine in Cologne has fallen to record-low levels, regional measurements show, as an ongoing drought continues to reduce water volumes in the river.
Data from the regional Waterways and Shipping Office in North Rhine-Westphalia indicate that the river has already reached an historic low of 56 centimetres in Cologne. Officials say the level is expected to fall to 54 centimetres today and could drop further to 47 centimetres by Friday evening.
Impact on navigation
Moritz Akst, a spokesperson for the regional Waterways and Shipping Office, warned that conditions are worsening. "This will only get worse. It's hard to believe what you're seeing," he said. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely for further changes.
Low water constrains cargo capacity: river vessels are still able to operate but only with reduced loads to avoid grounding. Operators along the Rhine have been adjusting schedules and freight volumes to cope with the limited draft.
Officials attribute the fall to prolonged dry weather that has curtailed inflows into the Rhine's catchment. The persistently low levels raise concerns about supply chains that depend on river transport and about longer-term environmental and economic effects if the drought continues.
Authorities have said they will continue to publish updated measurements and navigational guidance as the situation develops.
Photo: ДПА)
