Drought and Low Rivers: The Rhine, Danube and Po
Rhine falls to record low levels as drought strains Europe's rivers
- Level
- B2
- Estimated time
- 30–40 minutes
- Reading
- 1 min read
The story
The Rhine has dropped to record low levels at several points in Germany and the Netherlands. Officials measured unusually low water in places such as Cologne and Lobith. Other important rivers, including the Danube and Italy’s Po, also reached very low flows. The drought is affecting many European rivers that are used for transport and industry.
Germany’s Low Water Information System reported that many measuring stations showed extremely low levels at the end of July. At the Kaub gauging station the navigable depth fell to about 25cm, a level that limits how much cargo ships can carry. Martin Wolters said shipping was unlikely to be suspended altogether, but precautions would be necessary. Authorities warned about disruption to power supplies in several countries.
The low Danube forced Hungary’s only nuclear power plant to run at reduced capacity while Serbia and Romania cut output at some coal plants. Romania even carried out a controlled explosion to redirect water toward a power plant. A trader told Reuters that small loads might not be worthwhile for vessel owners.
Researchers found no clear long-term drop in rainfall across much of Europe, but they said higher temperatures are increasing evaporation. This makes droughts more likely and raises demand for water for households, farms and industry as heat continues.
Key vocabulary
- Rhine
- A major river in Western Europe that flows through Germany and the Netherlands.
- record
- An official measurement that is the highest or lowest ever observed.
- drought
- A long period without enough rain that causes water shortages.
- shipping
- The movement of goods by boats and ships on waterways.
- station
- A place where measurements are taken, such as a water gauging station.
- transport
- The movement of goods or people from one place to another.
- electricity
- Power used for lights, machines, and industry produced by different sources.
- farmers
- People who grow crops or raise animals for food and income.
Comprehension check
Write your answer, reveal the model answer, then score yourself honestly.
1. Which rivers are mentioned as having reached very low levels?
2. In which two places were Rhine water levels measured as unusually low?
3. Why is the Kaub gauging station important for shipping?
4. How did the Danube drought affect Hungary’s nuclear power plant?
5. What did researchers say about rainfall and evaporation?
Grammar focus
Reported speech
Reported speech (indirect speech) is used to say what someone else said without using their exact words. We often change the verb tense and pronouns when we report statements.
- Martin Wolters said shipping was unlikely to be suspended altogether, but precautions would be necessary.
- A trader told Reuters that small loads might not be worthwhile for vessel owners.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with the correct past reporting verb form (use the verb in brackets). Signal words make the past form necessary.
1. Martin Wolters (say) ___ this week.
2. The trader (tell) ___ Reuters so far.
3. Officials (warn) ___ already.
4. Researchers (find) ___ since July.
5. Authorities (say) ___ today.
Discussion
For reflection or speaking practice — not graded.
- What short-term actions should governments take to help shipping and power supplies?
- How might farmers change their plans if river water is limited?
- Do you think cities should limit water use during droughts? Why or why not?
- How can countries work together when a shared river has low water levels?