Water levels at the village of Kaub, the Rhine's critical shipping bottleneck, have dropped to just 25cm – matching 2018's record drought, but weeks earlier in the summer season. ⁣ ⁣ Barges are cutting cargo loads, freight costs have doubled since June, and surcharges are hitting €1,000 ($1,150) per container.⁣ ⁣ With rail and road freight already stretched thin, Germany's industrial economy is bracing for a long, expensive summer.⁣ ⁣ CGTN's Natalie Carney walked on the bed of what is usually Europe's busiest waterway. Read more on our website.⁣ ⁣ #Rhine #Germany #Kaub #Drought