The Rhine River in Cologne, Germany, has fallen to a historically low level, according to data from the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority, known as WSA Rhein. News agency DPA reported that water levels are expected to decline further.
DPA reported that forecasts show water levels in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Emmerich and Duisburg-Ruhrort will fall noticeably lower by Friday evening compared with current figures. WSA Rhein spokesperson Moritz Axt said that although water levels should rise slightly next week, this does not indicate an improvement in the situation.
Historical minimum levels
According to information from DPA, water levels near Cologne, Düsseldorf and Duisburg-Ruhrort could break historical record lows set in 2018 by more than 20 centimeters.
Earlier reports indicated that record low water levels have exposed hunger stones on many rivers in eastern Germany. The boulders feature special marks left by people during peak droughts in previous years.
