Drop in Colombian river's water level

There has been significant drop in water level in Colombia's Magdalena river, authorities said.

Severe drought hit different areas of the 1,500-km river, Colombia's Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) issued on Tuesday.

It called on all vessels to check the river conditions before their voyages on the river, Xinhua news agency reported.

The river is one of the most important water sources in the country. It also offers a maritime trade route leading to port city Barranquilla and the Caribbean sea.