Lock to Twente Canal closed due to persistent drought-Xinhua
Lock to Twente Canal closed due to persistent drought
Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2026-07-27 01:53:15
This photo taken on July 25, 2026 shows the low water level near the lock in Eefde, a village in Gelderland Province, the Netherlands. The lock, which provides access to the Twente Canal, was closed to shipping from July 25 because of the persistent drought and heatwave. (Xinhua/Shao Haijun)
The national precipitation deficit in the Netherlands has risen to around 200 mm, comparable to the exceptionally dry conditions experienced in 2018.
THE HAGUE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A lock in Eefde, a village in Gelderland Province, the Netherlands, was closed to shipping from Saturday because the persistent drought and heatwave have lowered the water level so much that the lock can no longer provide access to the Twente Canal.
This photo taken on July 25, 2026 shows a view of the lock in Eefde, a village in Gelderland Province, the Netherlands. The lock, which provides access to the Twente Canal, was closed to shipping from July 25 because of the persistent drought and heatwave. (Xinhua/Shao Haijun)
According to the National Water Distribution Coordination Committee of the Water Management Centre Netherlands, July has so far brought little significant rainfall, while temperatures have remained above average.
This photo taken on July 25, 2026 shows a view of the lock in Eefde, a village in Gelderland Province, the Netherlands. The lock, which provides access to the Twente Canal, was closed to shipping from July 25 because of the persistent drought and heatwave. (Xinhua/Shao Haijun)
The national precipitation deficit has risen to around 200 mm, comparable to the exceptionally dry conditions experienced in 2018. Groundwater levels across most of the country are also low to very low for this time of year.
This photo taken on July 25, 2026 shows a view of the lock in Eefde, a village in Gelderland Province, the Netherlands. The lock, which provides access to the Twente Canal, was closed to shipping from July 25 because of the persistent drought and heatwave. (Xinhua/Shao Haijun)
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has emphasized that the country's drinking water supply has not been affected and that tap water remains available nationwide. It nevertheless urged households, businesses and farmers to use water responsibly to help conserve supplies during the prolonged dry spell.
A cyclist takes photos of the lock in Eefde, a village in Gelderland Province, the Netherlands, July 25, 2026. The lock, which provides access to the Twente Canal, was closed to shipping from July 25 because of the persistent drought and heatwave. (Xinhua/Shao Haijun)■
