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The German Rhine River is one of Europe’s most important transport routes.
Now the ships can be stopped – by the drought.
The stately river is a thing of the past after the scorching hot and dry summer. In some stretches of the river, the water depth has dropped dramatically.
The city of Kaub is a hub for the extensive freight traffic and plays a major role above all for the Ruhr area.
By Friday, the water depth had dropped to just 40 centimeters, a drop to a quarter of the normal water level. Now the cargo ships have been forced to halve the weight of the goods in order not to run aground, reports Danish TV2.
If the water level in the river drops, there will be severe consequences for both the German and Danish economy – as well as for ecosystems and aquatic animals.
In addition to the drought affecting Rehn, several ponds have dried up.
Flags for multiple actions
For the Germans, a real cold shower can await ahead. German authorities flag several measures to save water. Energy Minister Robert Habeck (The Greens) says that he himself skimps on both minutes and heat in the morning shower, but adds in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung:
– More energy saving is also needed in working life.
Several countries in Europe have been affected by the severe drought, including Italy. The country has only received rain sporadically, and last winter only 30 percent of the normal amount of snow fell. Among other things, it has affected the river Po, an important source of water for agriculture in the country.