Rhine River Flooding Disrupts Traffic in Germany - 04.02.2021, Sputnik International

Heavy rains combined with melting snow have caused flooding in western Germany, with the Rhine River overflowing its banks and onto the surrounding land and roads.

The flooding forced officials to halt shipping traffic on the river in the area of Cologne and Karlsruhe, which are located on the left and right banks of the Rhine respectively.

Rail traffic has also been disrupted in parts of northern Germany, hitting transport infrastructure near Frankfurt.

Check out Sputnik's gallery to find out how the weather conditions have hampered communications and transport in western Germany.

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A railroad crossing is surrounded by flooding caused by rain and melting snow in Nidderau near Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, 3 February 2021.

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Seagulls sit on a sign post near the flooded Rhine River in Cologne, Germany, Wednesday, 3 February 2021. High tides caused by rain and melting snow are threatening commercial shipping on Germany's biggest river, the Rhine.

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A man takes a picture with his smartphone while sitting on a bench near a flooded bank of the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany, Wednesday, 3 February 2021. High tides caused by rain and melting snow are threatening commercial shipping on Germany's biggest river, the Rhine.

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A floating rubber duck is seen at a flooded children's playground in Vallendar near Koblenz, Germany, 3 February 2021.

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Houses on Niederwerth Island are seen flooded by Europe's most frequented waterway, the Rhine River in Vallendar near Koblenz, Germany, 3 February 2021.

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People view a flooded promenade near the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany, Wednesday, 3 February 2021. High tides caused by rain and melting snow are threatening commercial shipping on Germany's biggest river, the Rhine.

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A train passes a railroad crossing that is surrounded by flooding caused by rain and melting snow in Nidderau near Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, 3 February 2021.

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A swan walks near a flooded playground on the banks of the Rhine River in Mondorf, western Germany, on 3 February 2021.

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An aerial view taken on 3 February 2021 shows a flooded restaurant near the Sieg River in Mondorf, western Germany after the nearby Rhine River burst its banks.

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Dark clouds are seen above the Rhine River near the Cologne Cathedral, Wednesday, 3 February 2021.