RHINE WATER LEVEL IN COLOGNE FALLS TO RECORD LOW

COLOGNE, AUGUST 1 /SRNA/ – The water level of the Rhine in Cologne has fallen to a record low as dry weather continues to affect one of Europe's busiest inland waterways.

The water level in Cologne measured 68 centimetres this morning, one centimetre below the previous record low set on October 23, 2018, according to the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration.

A slight rise in the water level is forecast later today, the DPA news agency reported.

The shipping industry uses these water level readings to determine how heavily vessels can be loaded.

Low water levels can force vessels to carry reduced cargo loads or suspend operations altogether.