Historic 'Famine Stones' Re-emerge as German Rivers Hit Record Lows

In Germany, due to the prolonged drought and low river levels, the so-called "famine stones"—historical markers left during years of particularly severe drought—have reemerged from beneath the water. One such stone is located on the banks of the Elbe near Pirna, with more than 20 dates engraved on it, the earliest of which is 1707. The most recent mark was made in 2018, when the river's water level also dropped to historically low levels.

According to the State Flood Center, the Elbe's water level near Pirna has not exceeded one meter for quite some time, while in Dresden, it stands at about 54 centimeters. The re-emergence of these historical markers underscores the severity of the current drought crisis and serves as a stark reminder of how extreme and rare such conditions are.

Context

The drought affecting Germany and much of Europe is driven by prolonged rainfall deficits and record heatwaves exacerbated by climate change. Europe's four major rivers – Loire, Po, Rhine and the Danube – have been pushed to record low levels in August. Low water levels paralyse shipping, threaten freshwater supplies, and disrupt agricultural irrigation.

What it means for residents

If you depend on river transport for business, or draw water from major rivers, current conditions pose serious challenges. Agricultural workers and farmers should prepare for potential water shortages and invest in efficient irrigation. All residents should monitor local water restrictions and conservation guidelines, as regions may implement usage limits during extreme drought periods.

Sources

• Artsakh News / Der Spiegel — Hunger stones re-emerge from German rivers