Water levels on the Middle Rhine continue to rise
The water levels on the Middle Rhine are expected to rise further in the coming days. "The water levels on the Middle Rhine are currently rising sharply, exacerbated by the flooding of the Moselle," announced the Rhineland-Palatinate Flood Forecasting Service on Thursday.
"At the Koblenz gauge, the reported height of 500 centimetres is forecast to be exceeded by early Friday morning." According to currently "still very uncertain forecasts", a further rise to a range of 560 to 640 centimetres will follow at the beginning of the week. The city of Koblenz has therefore announced further measures. In addition to the construction of parts of the flood protection wall and the closing of protective gates, parking on the Peter-Altmeier-Ufer will be prohibited on Friday.
The water levels in the Moselle will also continue to rise. "At the Trier gauge, the water level is expected to rise to a range of 700 to 770 centimetres by Friday morning."
As expected, the critical mark of 7.50 meters was reached and slightly exceeded at the Maxau gauge on the Rhine on Wednesday afternoon. The value is a signal for ships to stop sailing on the corresponding section of the Rhine near Karlsruhe. The water level is already dropping again. The Upper Rhine Waterways and Shipping Office expected the level to fall below the critical mark again on Thursday evening. Navigation could then resume.
The shipping on the Upper Rhine might be affected due to the expected rise in water levels, as the critical mark was previously exceeded and navigations had to stop. The stormy weather and high water levels on the Middle Rhine could lead to difficulties in shipping, potentially hindering water transport in the area.
Source: www.dpa.com
