A quarter of all districts in Germany face a high risk of severe flooding, according to a new study. The Ortenaukreis in Baden-Württemberg would be particularly hard hit by a century flood, the German Environmental Aid organization (Deutsche Umwelthilfe, DUH) announced on Monday in Berlin, five years after the Ahr Valley flood disaster. The county has the highest so-called flood risk rating.
In a total of 98 districts, the risk of severe damage is high, according to the study, while 184 districts have a moderate risk rating. The flood risk rating is calculated based on the areas potentially affected by damage in the event of a century flood and the addresses currently at risk.
"We urgently need flood protection across the country - lives could depend on it," said DUH national director Sascha Müller-Kraenner. He also called for the resumption of the amendment to the Flood Protection Act, which has been announced since 2024. "Preparing our landscape for the consequences of the climate crisis is a long-term task that can only be accomplished together," Müller-Kraenner said.
According to the DUH, the risk is particularly high in built-up river floodplains. There are also elevated risks along large, densely populated river courses such as the Upper and Lower Rhine, as well as parts of the Danube and Elbe. While technical protective measures have a noticeable effect on the flood risk rating, these measures are based on water levels recorded so far.
"It is a huge problem that construction is still permitted in flood zones," said Sabrina Schulz of the DUH. She said more space is needed for rivers outside of towns and villages, along with consistent enforcement of the building ban in flood zones.
In July 2021, extreme heavy rainfall triggered devastating floods in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. In North Rhine-Westphalia, 49 people died. In Rhineland-Palatinate, according to the state government, 136 people were killed, and one person is still missing.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
