Local governments - Floods on the Rhine: No Significant Threat Reached
Along the Rhine river in North Rhine-Westphalia, officials are predicting rising water levels till Wednesday. The Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) Duisburg-Rhine has confirmed that Cologne will likely exceed the flood mark by one on Tuesday night. According to the spokesperson, other parts of North Rhine-Westphalia shouldn't be facing any critical levels. It's just Cologne that will breach the flood mark of one with a gauge height of 6.20 meters. This means that vessels operating in the center of the river will need to sail slower.
Peak river conditions are forecast for the areas encompassing Bonn and Cologne on Wednesday. Duisburg, on the other hand, is projected to see its highest water levels by Thursday. Cologne's administration has noted that the highest water measurement on the Cologne gauge will be below 7.20 meters.
In a proactive move to protect the sewage treatment plants in Cologne, they're carrying out the standard flood mitigation efforts. A lock in Rodenkirchen has been set up, and footpaths and cycling lanes near the river have been barricaded. To stop the Rhine water from seeping into the sewage network, sluices have been sealed. A representative from the sewage treatment facilities assured that it's not at all like the crisis unfolding at present in Bavaria.
