5 years after the devastating flood catastrophe within the Ahr Valley, safety towards heavy rain and Flood From the viewpoint of many individuals in Germany, it stays insufficient. As a consultant survey commissioned by the German Federation for the Setting and Nature Conservation (BUND) confirmed, 44.5 % of respondents really feel inadequately protected the place they reside. 35.7 % consider that the federal, state and native governments are adequately ready for floods.
BUND speaks of a “wake-up name to politics”
The managing director of politics at BUND, Verena Graichen, spoke of a “wake-up name to politics”. The federal, state and native governments should lastly take safety towards heavy rain and flooding severely and plan it sensibly. Good choices are wanted for ecological flood safety. “With nature-based options, a big a part of the water can already be retained within the catchment space. This provides the rivers sufficient house for flooding with out inflicting injury,” defined Graichen.
Important regional variations
The Civey Institute survey additionally revealed clear variations between the federal states. Whereas 44 % of respondents in Bavaria felt protected the place they lived, in Brandenburg solely 30 % felt protected. Within the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia affected by the Ahr Valley flood, the figures had been 34 and 31 % respectively.
The Flood disaster in the Ahr Valley continues to be current after 5 years. After heavy rain, a devastating flash flood occurred on the night time of July 14th to fifteenth, 2021. 136 folks died in Rhineland-Palatinate and 49 in North Rhine-Westphalia. A number of hundred folks had been injured. When the flood got here, it took automobiles, properties and lives with it. For many individuals, this was a tough time stuffed with disappointment, frustration and compelled new beginnings.
For the survey, 10,000 residents aged 18 and over had been interviewed between June 15 and June 18, 2026.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:260709-930-356847/1