Germany news: Low water on Rhine could sever freight route
Germany's inland shipping association has warned that the Rhine could soon become effectively split in two as water levels continue to fall. In Berlin, a man was shot dead near a busy central transport hub. DW has more.
Low water levels on the Rhine River in Germany could sever its freight route, according to the country's inland shipping association. The Rhine, Europe's most important inland commercial waterway, may become effectively split into two sections, hindering the transport of goods. The gauge at a key point for freight traffic, Kaub, is forecast to drop into single digits, making commercial vessels unable to transport goods through that stretch.
Excursion boats and river cruises would also be affected. Freight vessels are currently carrying lighter loads to accommodate the low water, leading to increased transport costs for industries reliant on bulk cargo. The Rhine's low water levels are a result of weeks of dry weather and insufficient rainfall across the river's catchment area.
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