Dangers of heavy rain: Risk for Schleswig-Holstein increases drastically!

Dangers of heavy rain: Risk for Schleswig-Holstein increases drastically!

Schleswig-Holstein is facing a clear challenge: heavy rain events are increasing and pose new risks not only to the infrastructure, but also to private households. The new heavy rain hazard maps were presented in Wedel on October 25, 2025. These maps are an important tool for identifying vulnerable areas and taking preventative measures. NDR reports on the aim of raising awareness among private individuals, as they are ultimately responsible for protecting their properties.

The digital map, which was developed by the Federal Office of Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, clearly shows how water behaves during heavy rain events. It marks the maximum water depth with blue tones and the flow speed of the water with yellow-red tones. This information is crucial in order to be able to react quickly in an emergency.

Growing risks of heavy rain

The importance of such precautions is shown not least in the “wasserstark.sh” campaign, which was initiated by the Ministry of the Environment. For two and a half years, this has had the goal of educating the population about storm surges, floods and heavy rain. In September 2025, the weather situation in Schleswig-Holstein was particularly warm, dry and sunny, and this is exactly where the problem lies: climate change has a direct impact on our weather phenomena. Schleswig-Holstein.de describes the increase in extreme weather situations as a direct consequence of climatic changes.

In the recent discussion about the effects of climate change, sea level rise and the frequency of heavy rain events are also discussed. Studies like those of ProEarth, demonstrate a clear connection between global warming and the increase in heavy rainfall events. Data from almost 900 measuring points show that rainfall amounts have increased by eight percent over the last 40 years, while the risk of small-scale flooding has increased by 25 percent.

Personal responsibility and precaution

The brochure entitled “Heavy Rain – What’s it to me?” also highlights what options people in Schleswig-Holstein have to prepare themselves. Environment State Secretary Katja Günther encourages citizens to plan for personal emergencies and take timely precautions. There are online resources and comprehensive checklists to help everyone better assess their personal risk.

It is clear that personal responsibility is not only very important in times of climate change, but also crucial for protecting your own four walls. While technical and organizational solutions for floods are not always sufficient, personal precautions remain essential in order to best estimate and minimize the effects of heavy rain.