Dömitz harbor closed: drought makes shipping to a standstill!

Dömitz harbor closed: drought makes shipping to a standstill!

in the region around the port of Dömitz, located in the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim, the continuing drought has now led to drastic measures: the port is closed due to water shortages. [stern.de] (https://www.stern.de/sgesellschaft/regional/hamburg-schleswig-holstein/trockness --doemitzer-hafen-mangels-wasser-gestrt-35890136.html) reports that the Elbe shipping came to a standstill. Port master Michael Kierstein announced that no shipping was no longer possible - neither for commercial nor for sports boats. A canoe is only spotted from time to time, while most of the water traffic is set.

The situation is not only questionable for shipping, the police also have to switch to alternative possible uses because their boathouse in the harbor cannot be used. However, there is a ray of hope: a little more water is expected during the week, but this has little effect on shipping. According to the forecasts of the federal waterway and shipping management of the federal government, the water depth in Dömitz on Sunday will only be four centimeters- the lowest value outside of August 2018. In the Elbe itself, the water depth is approximately two meters.

climate change and water shortage

But why is this water shortage? They are multi -layered causes that hide behind this problem. Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that climatic conditions have a major influence. Low water supply, problems with water quality, excessive water requirements in agriculture and the influence of mining contribute to the current difficulties. The high water needs in metropolitan regions are another puzzle in this complex topic.

In order to meet these challenges, region -specific measures such as long -distance water management systems and limits for water withdrawals were taken. Nevertheless, it turns out that the existing measures may be inadequate. The upcoming research project Wadklim has developed solutions for sustainable water management that is to be integrated into the German adaptation strategy to climate change.

The future of water supply

The forecasts show that water availability in many regions of Germany could be further reduced in the future. This can lead to a tightening of usage conflicts. Therefore, the promotion of sustainable water use is essential to ensure fair care for all user groups. Travdo Hotels points out that increased consideration of natural ecosystems in the overall water management is necessary.

For the citizens of Dömitz and the surrounding area, developments around the port are an impressive sign of the consequences of climate change. It is to be hoped that both regional and national measures will be taken to stabilize shipping and water supply in the coming years.