Flood alarm on the Elbe: Riesa could be under water!

Flood alarm on the Elbe: Riesa could be under water!

Riesa, Deutschland - On February 27, 2025, the Elbe, one of the most important rivers in Europe, shows clear water level tendencies and flood warnings. The Elbe rises in the Czech Republic and flows through East Germany, Lower Saxony and Hamburg before it flows into the North Sea at Brunsbüttel. Along the river are important cities such as Dresden, Dessau, Magdeburg and Wittenberge, all of which are affected by the water levels to different degrees. While the level value for the "medium low water" (MNW) at Riesa was 135 cm in 2010 to 2020, the "medium flood" (MHW) reached 528 cm. ( Sächsische )

The highest water level ever measured on this level was recorded on August 17, 2002 with 947 cm, while the lowest water level on February 1, 1954 was only 81 cm. Alarm levels for floods in Saxony are divided into four categories: alarm level 1 signals small floods, while alarm level 4 shows very large floods, which represents a significant risk. The responsibility for flood warnings is the responsibility of various institutions, such as the federal government, countries, circles, police and fire brigade. ( Sächsische )

Current levels and warnings

According to the latest data from February 27, 2025 at 6:30 a.m. (CET), the water level in the region is in the area of low -water values, and there are currently no flood warnings. The sources of information indicate that local floods that arise from heavy rain cannot be predicted precisely. However, it is pointed out that the warnings are published both regionally and nationally and are based on hydrological predictions. The hotline for level data can be reached on 0351 8928-4563 and by email at lhwz.lfulg@smekul.sachsen.de. (