Record Low Water Levels on the Elbe River Impact Police Operations

In Dömitz, the Elbe River has reached unprecedented low water levels, significantly affecting local operations, including those of the Water Police. The river's water level has plummeted due to ongoing drought conditions, hitting a historic low of just 44 centimeters in Magdeburg on July 10.

The repercussions are being felt acutely by the Water Police in Dömitz, located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The agency's boat house has completely dried out, leading to operational challenges. Authorities have had to adapt by transporting their police boat, equipped with a powerful 115-horsepower outboard motor, onto a trailer for safekeeping.

A police representative informed that the Water Police's jurisdiction encompasses a vast area stretching from the Müritz-Elde waterway to the Plauer See. While the boat remains on standby, the officers have made arrangements to deploy it when necessary, although they require a suitable location to launch it into the water.

To enhance their operational flexibility during this dry spell, the Water Police have also secured a smaller inflatable boat with an electric motor, which is more suitable for navigating through the significantly reduced water levels.

As the Elbe continues to struggle with low water levels, experts predict that the situation may persist. Although a slight increase in water levels is expected towards the end of the week, it is anticipated that navigation conditions will remain challenging for the foreseeable future.

Authorities are closely monitoring the river's status daily, but the current trends indicate little improvement, leaving the area around Dömitz in a state of stagnation.