Fourth flood anniversary: ​​progress in the Ahr valley or standstill?

Fourth flood anniversary: ​​progress in the Ahr valley or standstill?

July 14, 2025 marks the anniversary of the tragic flood disaster in the Ahr Valley, which claimed numerous lives in 2021 and led to extensive destruction. In the three years since then, many attempts have been made to help the region get back on its feet. But the mood on site remains mixed: While some see progress, others look with regret at the ruins that still dominate the landscape in many places. daily news reports on the situation in the region, which is still severely affected by the consequences of the natural disaster.

The devastating flood claimed 135 lives and left over 42,000 people affected. Around 9,000 buildings and over 100 bridges were severely damaged or even destroyed. The situation is particularly dramatic at schools and daycare centers, which are housed in containers in the current crisis mode. One example is the Are-Gymnasium, where students and teachers go about their everyday lives under less than optimal conditions. The return to the renovated building is not scheduled to take place until autumn 2027, which will prolong the burden on the affected families. Katja Kohler-Golly, a mother and teacher, describes the situation as a usual hardship, while her son Max and his classmates have adapted to learning in containers.

Progress in reconstruction

Although the progress in reconstruction is noticeable, it is not without difficulties. Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD) noted that reconstruction in the Ahr Valley is progressing faster than in other German regions. The first municipal car bridge, the Weinbaubrücke in Dernau, was recently inaugurated. Six more bridges have been approved, with the Heppinger Bridge in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler due to be completed in autumn 2025. The restoration of the cycle path along the Ahr is also a high priority: two new cycle bridges were completed in April 2025, with a total of 34 million euros to be invested in the project.

Despite this progress, frustration with long waiting times and bureaucratic hurdles when applying for funds remains palpable. Many families, like Katja and Jörg Golly's, are faced with the challenges of rebuilding their houses that are in need of renovation. You have insured yourself against extensive natural hazards, but you still want to be on the safe side. They even jokingly came up with a plan B for a new home in Tuscany. In reality, however, the Ahr Valley remains home for them, also because of the friends who are here.

Financial support and EU aid

However, the financial situation of the Ahr Valley remains positive, as the figures show. So far, over three billion euros have been approved from a reconstruction fund by the federal and state governments. In addition, over 612 million euros in EU aid flowed to Germany to support the region after the catastrophic flood. These funds are part of the EU Solidarity Fund, which ensures that affected countries receive financial support in difficult times to enable reconstruction. The EU highlights the need to further expand this support in order to provide lasting help to the affected regions.

The next months and years will be crucial to how quickly the Ahr Valley emerges from the crisis and becomes a place worth living in again. The challenges are great, but the hope for a new beginning remains - not least thanks to the tireless efforts of the local people and the diverse support from state and European funds.

The story of the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley and the ongoing reconstruction show exemplarily how community, determination and cooperation can be held together even in difficult times.