COLOGNE, GERMANY - AUGUST 14: People walk on an exposed sandbank on the Rhine River, with Cologne Cathedral in the background, on August 14, 2026 in Cologne, Germany. Water levels of the Rhine have reached historic lows and have continued to fall further in recent weeks, complicating shipping and impacting the German economy. Rain is forecast for coming days, possibly bringing relief. (Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Getty Images)