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

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

The Elbe is currently in a worrying state. With extremely low water levels between Dömitz and Hitzacker, where the shipping channel is sometimes only 50 centimeters deep, shipping is severely restricted. The situation is so tense that Tilman Treber from the Lauenburg Waterways and Shipping Office reports that shipping on “Route 9” between these places has come to an almost complete standstill. This is due to months of drought and the almost complete lack of rain in June, which further exacerbates the problems. Mopo documents the effects: hardly any recreational boats can get through, as many have to get stuck in the shallow areas of the fairway and can only be freed with the help of other boats.

With a water level of only 83 cm in Neu Darchau, which according to NDR is one of the ten lowest values ​​since recorded, shipping in this region remains almost impossible. The fishermen in the area are alarmed because the oxygen levels in the Elbe are also falling dangerously. What is particularly worrying is the fact that the oxygen content in the Elbe is only 3.5 mg/l. This is below the critical value at which living creatures can be endangered, as below 3-4 mg/l there is a risk of oxygen deficiency for many fish.

The fish stand is in danger

But it's not just shipping that is struggling. The fishermen also fear for their existence. The Lower Saxony State Office for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) is monitoring the situation - but so far the all-clear has been given for the Lower Saxony section. However, that doesn't mean the situation is harmless. The tributaries are drying up, and experts fear that extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change could cause further problems. According to HNA, this is not the first time that these water levels have been reached. This low water level has occurred only a few times since 1874, and fishermen are concerned about the consequences of this prolonged 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 low water and take appropriate measures. However, there is no quick relief in sight here either. The region faces a tough challenge to secure water supplies for both shipping and fish stocks.

A look into the future

The next few days will be crucial. It looks like there are no significant changes in the weather that could cause a significant rise in water levels. Fishermen and boaters are therefore urged to exercise caution and continually check water levels. The main ferries in Hitzacker and Neu Darchau have also stopped operating, which for many means an additional detour to the region's schools. The ferry between Bleckede and Neu Bleckede is still in operation, but with restrictions on the transport of heavy vehicles. Schoolchildren are forced to take long detours due to the ferry failure, which causes additional worries for parents.

Overall, the situation on the Elbe remains tense and it will be necessary to closely monitor the development of water levels in the coming weeks. Only sustained rainfall could bring an improvement - and that seems a long way off at the moment.