Netherlands closes Deventer harbor and Twentekanaal locks amid drought

Dry conditions have caused water levels in the IJssel River to fall below critical thresholds, prompting Dutch authorities to close several waterways. The inland harbor of Deventer was ordered shut indefinitely, with ships required to leave by Friday night to avoid becoming stranded. Simultaneously, Rijkswaterstaat closed the locks at Eefde that connect the IJssel to the Twentekanaal, halting traffic on that canal. Temporary pump installations are being used to transfer water between the canal and the river in an effort to stabilize levels, but the closures will remain in place until the water level recovers.

The measures aim to protect dike integrity and prevent further ecological damage, while also safeguarding navigation infrastructure. Shipping companies have been instructed to use alternative routes while the situation is monitored.