Climate
Rhine at Cologne reaches record low, Dutch river cruise runs aground
The Rhine water level in Cologne has dropped to a new record low of 43 centimeters, two centimeters below the August minimum, as lack of rain in Switzerland and southern Germany reduces flow. This decline affects the Netherlands, where average discharge at Lobith is falling toward 570 cubic meters per second. Consequently, the Dutch vessel Dutch Melody ran aground near a bridge in central Cologne but resumed its journey and is expected in Nijmegen. Low water levels are severely impacting inland shipping and cruises, forcing cargo ships to carry reduced loads. On the IJssel, one-way traffic restrictions require ships to detour up to 200 kilometers, while rail alternatives lack capacity. Additionally, the Culemborg-Schalkwijk ferry service was suspended because insufficient water prevents the boat with its ramps from reaching the docks.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's