Elbe reaches historical low: Experts warn of consequences!

Elbe reaches historical low: Experts warn of consequences!

Magdeburg, Deutschland - The Elbe, one of the most important waterways in Germany, has achieved a sad record. In Magdeburg, a historical low of only 44 centimeters was measured. This has been the lowest level since the beginning of modern measurements, as [picture] reports. The previous record of 45 centimeters, which was measured in July 2019, was now undercut. This means not only a turning point for the region, but also for shipping, which is severely affected by the extremely low water levels.

In the region around Magdeburg, experts fear that the levels could continue to decrease. The [world] adds that a value of 48 centimeters was even registered on the level of electricity bridge, which has been the lowest in 84 years. For shipping, this means that some routes are no longer passable. The situation on the so -called “route 9” between Dömitz and Hitzacker is particularly critical, where the fairway is only 50 centimeters deep. Shipping outside of these areas is considered almost impossible, and sports boats are often in sandbars.

ferry connections and environmental risks

In Dresden, important ferry connections had to be set at a level stand of 45 centimeters. The Environmental Association BUND has evaluated the situation seriously because it increasingly classifies the Elbe as no longer navigable. Prof. Dr. Dr. Felix Ekardt from the BUND Saxony emphasizes that freight shipping on the Elbe is no longer profitable. The [NDR] also informs that water rescue organizations warn of bathing in the Elbe because the current remains dangerous.

General drought has also led to the discovery of old ammunition and dangerous duds from the Second World War on the banks of Tangermünde. The ordnance disposal service had to be called to salvage, which indicates that the drought not only has an impact on shipping traffic, but also harbors serious environmental and security risks.

climate change and future forecasts

The experts warn that global warming could increasingly result in low water periods. Spring was already extremely dry and June hardly rain. Such trends could increase in the coming years. The [NDR] also reports on forest fires in the resin and the problems in agriculture that result from this persistent drought.

While the situation is still dramatic on the Elbe, the water level remains stable on other large rivers in Germany such as the Rhine and Danube. In Cologne, a water level of 1.60 meters was measured, which is slowly increasing. The Danube also remains navigable, which ensures colorful contrasts compared to the Elbe and shows that not all rivers in Germany are affected by the low water.

The current records and the associated problems are a wake -up call for everyone involved. It remains to be seen how the Elbe will continue, but the coming days should not bring any significant improvement.