The Rhine River, a major waterway in Europe, is experiencing severe drought, causing water levels to drop significantly. In the Cologne region of Germany, water depths are more than 2 meters lower than usual, making it difficult for cargo ships and cruise ships to operate. The Rhine River plays a vital role in the German economy and is crucial for supplying raw materials. However, the current drought has forced steelmaker ThyssenKrupp to reduce production, and gasoline and diesel prices have risen, negatively impacting the German economy. Experts predict that this drought could reduce Germany's economic growth rate by 0.1 to 0.4 percentage points.
