Anger in Germany over Rhine firework display taking place despite drought

A man walks with his dog on a partially dried up river bank on the Rhine around Oberwesel, Germany, where one of the firework displays is due to be held in September. Photograph: Ying Tang/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock

Organisers of the “Rhine in Flames” firework displays have come under heavy criticism for staging the event during this summer’s drought, as water levels in the river continue to drop.

The annual event has become a flashpoint, with climate campaigners and others furious about the fire risk and waste of precious water as the Rhine risks becoming unnavigable.