RHINE RIVER WATER LEVELS REMAIN CRITICALLY LOW

BERLIN, SEPTEMBER 11 /SRNA/ - Water levels on the Rhyne River, one of the most important waterways in Europe, remain critically low, the DW reports.

The lack of rain in recent days led to additional drop in water levels, after it previously recovered after long draught in August.

The Domestic Navigation Agency said today that ships will have to work with reduced cargo.

The Rhyne low water level seriously hit German transport and delivery companies.

In some cases, the cargo was split among several vessels, which increased operational costs. In order to tackle that challenge, the companies transported part of the shipments by roads or railways.

The agency reports that today, the water level near Kaub, not far away from Koblenz, was about 21 centimeter, which represents a drop by 13 centimeters comparing to the Monday level, and 50 centimeters last week.

In August, the water level near Kaub was at the record low - 10 centimeters.

The real river depth is about one meter deeper than the value shown by the water level gauge.

No significant rise in water levels is expected over the coming week.