Elbe in Dömitz: shipping paralyzed due to extreme drought!

Elbe in Dömitz: shipping paralyzed due to extreme drought!

Dömitz, Deutschland - The persistent drought has severely affected shipping in northern Germany, especially in the port of Dömitz (Ludwigslust-Parchim district). As ndr.de was reported due to the extremely low water level. Ships, including many sports boats, can no longer drive this section of the Elbe. Port master Michael Kirstein confirmed that the entire shipping traffic towards Hamburg and Wittenberge came to a standstill.

Even the water level in the port of Dömitz is alarming. The federal waterway and shipping management of the federal government predicts a water depth of only four centimeters for the next few days- that would be the lowest level since August 2018. In the Elbe itself, too, you are currently only measuring about two meters. This Situation also affects the water protection police, whose boathouse cannot be used in the port. It is hardly hidden to regret that the police no longer need a boat due to the unveiled shipping.

Current forecasts indicate that a slight increase in the water level can be expected by the end of the week, but it will not have a positive impact on shipping. The region therefore hopes for persistent rain and the possible opening of Czech dams to improve the water supply of the Elbe.

shipping throughout northern Germany affected

The effects of drought are not limited to Dömitz. As Kreiszeitung.de Fixed, other areas in Lower Saxony also suffer from low water levels. The fairway on the "route 9" between Dömitz and Hitzacker is particularly alarming, where the depth is only 50 centimeters. Water levels in Neu Darchau are one of the ten lowest values in the region with only 83 centimeters.

Also, several Elbe ferries, such as in Hitzacker and Neu Darchau, are faced with the challenge of having to set their operation due to the thin water position. Over two thirds of the measuring points in Lower Saxony show water levels that are below the normal value. The Lower Saxony economy already feels the consequences; Hafenmeister warn of problems when you enter and extend boats.

Why this drought?

The causes of the long dry period are diverse. A dry spring and a low -snow winter led to insufficient replenishment of melting water, which further stressed the water levels. The Lower Saxony State of Water Management provides all -clear for the time being, but continues to observe the situation. Experts fear that in this extreme location we may experience a foretaste of long -term climate trends.

Overall, the situation on the Elbe shows in a worrying way. Another dark chapter opened when the historical low of the Elbe near Magdeburg was measured with only 44 centimeters, such as Spiegel.de It remains to be hoped that rain will come soon to relax the situation and to activate shipping in the region.