Pumps for citizens: Türkenfeld is preparing for heavy rain!

Pumps for citizens: Türkenfeld is preparing for heavy rain!

A new initiative has been established in Türkenfeld to help citizens in the community. After the devastating heavy rain events in the summer of 2024, which left many households with water up to their necks, powerful pumps can now be rented from the fire station. This was announced by the volunteer fire department, which organized and accompanied the project. The pumps, which were purchased with a total value of around 5,000 euros, come from the “Türkenfeld helps and designs” donation fund and are now available to citizens. Mayor Emanuel Staffler emphasizes the importance of this measure and emphasizes that it serves as a precaution and should better prepare the community for future extreme weather events.

The idea of ​​purchasing these pumps came about because in many cases the fire department could only help in urgent situations. Too many households were inadequately prepared for heavy rain and were unable to empty their flooded basements quickly enough. To address citizens' concerns, these devices were purchased. However, households that regularly struggle with water problems should consider purchasing their own pumps, as rental devices can only help to a limited extent.

Background information on heavy rain and climate change

The increase in such extreme weather events is no coincidence. Unbridled climate change is causing an increase in the risks from heat, drought and especially heavy rain in Germany. The Climate Impact and Risk Analysis (KWRA) by the Federal Environment Agency shows that communities urgently need adaptation measures in order to be better prepared in the future. Initiatives such as the “Regen//Sicher” project work to help communities prepare for such extreme weather events. These programs include neighborhood consultations and workshops that motivate citizens to take their own precautions - for example by installing backflow valves or creating infiltration areas.

A look beyond the borders shows that other regions in Europe also suffer from similar weather extremes. Massive rainfall at the end of October 2024 in the Spanish province of Valencia led to tragic floods with over 200 deaths. These and other flood disasters illustrate how urgently flood protection measures are needed. Vital elements such as the renaturation of rivers and early warning of the population are necessary to avoid similar damage.

Measures and concepts for the future

Based on the experience of the last few years, various municipalities have already successfully tried to protect themselves from flooding. After the devastating heavy rain events in 2007, the city of Arnsberg successfully implemented a comprehensive flood protection concept that has proven effective in the event of further rainfall. At the same time, the development of a national flood protection program is essential to reduce the pressure on financing requirements and to support municipalities in implementing such projects.

The developments in Türkenfeld are a step in the right direction to better prepare the community for future challenges. The combination of citizen engagement and community support could help better manage the more frequent and intense heavy rain events that experts expect due to climate change.

Given the current and future challenges, it is essential that communities like Türkenfeld act prudently to mitigate the effects of extreme weather and provide a safe environment for citizens.

More information about adapting to heavy rain events can be found under the Federal Environment Agency project: Federal Environment Agency.

You can read more about climate change and its impact on extreme weather events on this page: Deutschlandfunk.

Read here how the protective measures in Türkenfeld are related to efforts in other regions of Germany: Mercury.