Climate change alarm: The risk of flooding in Baden-Württemberg is increasing rapidly!

Climate change alarm: The risk of flooding in Baden-Württemberg is increasing rapidly!

In the last few days, the discussion about flood protection in Germany has come back into focus. As German Environmental Aid (DUH) reports, many federal states are at risk when it comes to preparing for potential floods of the century. Federal Managing Director Sascha Müller-Kraenner warns that a lack of protective measures could endanger tens of thousands of citizens. Schwarzälder messenger highlights that the climate crisis could exacerbate this risk.

In a comprehensive analysis, the DUH determined a flood risk level that shows that Bavaria is most affected: over 65,000 residential addresses and 4.25 percent of the area are at risk. North Rhine-Westphalia follows with 6.8 percent danger area, but only around 28,000 potentially affected residential addresses. In order to take this threatened situation into account, measures such as the renaturation of floodplains and rivers are necessary in order to improve flood protection.

Damage potential and current risks

Baden-Württemberg is particularly vulnerable with a flood risk level of 7.96. The risk affects nearly 54,600 residential addresses. The South German reports that over 4.72 percent of the state area includes flood risk areas and that Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia should not be underestimated with over 6 percent.

The statistics are alarming considering that flood events are statistically expected to occur once every 100 years. But due to climatic changes, the frequency could increase. There is a clear need to catch up to better protect the vulnerable population. The DUH calls for an increased focus on nature-based flood protection that sustainably influences and improves the water balance.

Comprehensive flood risk management

However, the responsibility for flood protection does not lie solely with the states. As the Federal Government emphasizes, integrated flood risk management is essential. After the devastating floods in July 2021, the authorities recognize the urgency of these measures. The federal government is planning targeted financial support, such as the immediate climate adaptation program, which will invest 60 million euros in flood protection.

The planned measures also include the creation of floodplains and the renaturation of rivers and streams in order to better retain water in intact ecosystems. In addition to these technical solutions, the need to invest more in nature in flood protection and to test existing infrastructure for its resilience to severe weather events is also highlighted.

Time is of the essence and it is high time to set the course for safe flood protection. The current evaluations and recommendations from the DUH and the government are an important step towards ensuring the quality of life and safety of people in Germany in the long term.