Schorndorf: A year after the flood - memories, losses, hope!

Schorndorf: A year after the flood - memories, losses, hope!

This day, May 31, 2025, is reminded of the devastating flood disaster in Schorndorf, which left massive destruction in the city and especially in the Miedelsbach district a year ago. Mayor Bernd Hornikel emphasizes that the memories of the tragic night will remain unforgettable. Two people lost their lives and numerous houses were flooded while cars were carried along and existences were destroyed. Those affected were often not yet able to return to their houses in need of renovation, which further increased the mental and material stress. The entire reconstruction and the renovation work run, but many are still dependent on help to restore their quality of life. ZVW reports .

The legal framework for the help is clearly regulated. For the funding applications, which are particularly required for those affected by the disaster, property damage to residential buildings is a prerequisite for residential buildings in July 2021. This includes damage caused by wildly flowing water, fall floods or rising groundwater. From at least 5,000 euros in claims, claims for damages can be claimed, as it were it can also be taken into account income losses, provided that these occur within six months of the damage event. For homeowners and landlords, there are special grants that cover up to 80% of the eligible costs. Land NRW informed .

growing flood risk

Under the influence of global climate change, there is a worrying trend: flood events increase in frequency and intensity. Statistics show that floods have made up almost 37 percent of all natural disasters worldwide since 2000. In Germany, about 7.6 percent of all addresses are exposed to statistical flood risk. People who live in the flood zones along the Rhine are particularly at risk, where around 400,000 inhabitants have to expect floods in the coming years. Statista reports .

The flood disaster 2021 turned out to be one of the worst natural disasters in the recent past. For example, on July 14th in parts of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, over 240 liters of precipitation per square meter fell. The damage measure of this tragedy exceeded all previous flood events. The German Bundestag reacted with the adoption of a construction fund of 30 billion euros, but the payment of which is delayed by bureaucratic hurdles. Despite the obvious risks, it can be seen that the reconstruction of houses and infrastructures is still approved even in endangered areas. A comprehensive expansion of flood protection and the consideration of natural retention rooms are considered urgently necessary to minimize future damage.