Authorities said that following recent rains in South Germany, the water levels in some parts of the Rhine River were increased.

The German agency for inland navigation said that the Rhine level is too high to allow river traffic around Maxau, in southern Germany.

The high water level means that vessels are not able to pass under bridges, and the blockage stops them from sailing to Switzerland.

The shipping on the northern section of the river, including important points such as Duisburg Cologne and Mannheim is running normally. Last week, high water levels on the Rhine stopped many sailings around Maxau.

According to the Baden-Wuerttemberg high water forecast center, the water levels in Maxau should fall to a level that allows sailing on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday.

Rhine is a major shipping route for minerals, coal, and oil products like heating oil, grain, and animal feed. In recent years, the Rhine has suffered from low levels of water due to unusually dry summers. (Reporting and editing by Jason Neely; Michael Hogan)