Extremely low water levels: Elbe paralyzes shipping in northern Germany!

Extremely low water levels: Elbe paralyzes shipping in northern Germany!

Hitzacker, Deutschland - The Elbe is currently presenting itself in a worrying state. With extremely low water levels between Dömitz and Hitzacker, where the fairway is sometimes only 50 centimeters deep, shipping is severely restricted. The situation is so tense that Tilman Treber from the Wasserstraßen- und Shipping Office Lauenburg reports of an almost complete standstill of shipping on the "route 9" between these locations. The reason for this is months of drought and the almost complete lack of rain in June, which further exacerbates the problems. MOPO Documented the effects: Hardly a sports boat can still be found, as many have to get stuck in the flat spots of the fairway and can only be released with the help of other boats.

With a water level of only 83 cm in Neu Darchau, which is according to NDR. The fishermen in the area are alerted because the oxygen values ​​in the Elbe also drop dangerously. The fact that the oxygen content in the Elbe is only 3.5 mg/l is particularly worrying. This is under the critical value, from which living things can be at risk, since under 3-4 mg/l lack of oxygen for many fish.

The fish level in danger

But not only shipping has to struggle. The fishermen also fear for their existence. The Lower Saxony State Operation for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) observes the location- but so far it has been given for the Lower Saxony section. However, this does not mean that the situation is harmless. The tributaries dry out, and the experts fear that the weather extremes reinforced by climate change could cause further problems. According to [HNA] (https://www.hna.de/niedersachsen/elbe-gefaehrlich-lich-leied-fuer-chiffen-und-fische- 92420669.html), this is not the first time that these water levels are reached. This deep water level has only existed a few times since 1874, and the fishermen are concerned about the consequences of this long -lasting drought.

Despite the impending dangers, there are also positive approaches. Experts have launched a special measurement program to examine the water quality on the Elbe. This could help to better understand the effects of the low water and take appropriate measures. However, there is no quick relaxation in sight here either. The region faces a tough challenge to secure water supply for both shipping and fish stocks.

A look into the future

The next few days will be decisive. It looks like no significant weather changes that could cause a significant increase in the water level. Fischer and boat driver are therefore urgently asked to be careful and to continuously check the water levels. The main ferries in Hitzacker and Neu Darchau have also stopped operating, which means an additional detour to the schools in the region for many. The ferry between Bleckede and Neu Bleckede is still in operation, but with restrictions on the transport of heavy vehicles. School children rely on long detours due to the failure of the ferries, which brings additional concerns for the parents.

Overall, the situation on the Elbe remains tense, and it will be necessary to carefully observe the development of the water levels in the coming weeks. Only sustainable rains could bring an improvement - and they currently seem to be a long way off.