Rhein, Elbe and Danube hit by historic low water levels
A prolonged heat wave and weeks of low rainfall have led to a water shortage declaration in the Netherlands, prompting irrigation bans and alerts for agriculture, industry and urban water use.
In Germany, the Rhine, Elbe and other rivers have fallen to record‑low levels. Freight ships can only carry a third of their normal cargo, ferry services on the Rhine have been suspended, and a cruise ship ran aground in Bonn, requiring a rescue operation. Similar conditions on the Danube have left several cruise vessels stuck in Hungary, forcing schedule cuts and a drop in bookings.
Industry groups warn that reduced loads raise transport costs and may increase the number of vessels needed to move the same goods. Authorities attribute the drought to climate change and have launched monitoring systems, but forecasts show no relief in the coming weeks.