Germany's Rhine River runs dry amid drought

A dried-up riverbed of the Rhine in Cologne, Germany. In addition to yellowing vegetation, the dry spell has depressed water levels in the Rhine River, a conduit for barges delivering everything from steel to oil and coal to Germany's factories.
A dried-up riverbed of the Rhine in Cologne, Germany. In addition to yellowing vegetation, the dry spell has depressed water levels in the Rhine River, a conduit for barges delivering everything from steel to oil and coal to Germany's factories. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

BERLIN • Germany's spring showers have not materialised this year, and that is drying out the country's most important river, prompting concerns that key industrial goods might have trouble making it to their destination.

Typically one of the wettest months, Europe's biggest economy has received just 5 per cent of its normal April rainfall so far, said the German weather service.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 27, 2020, with the headline Germany's Rhine River runs dry amid drought. Subscribe