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Storm damage in Havelland: collecting wood is allowed - but with rules!
After the devastating storms in June 2023, Osthavelland is suffering from massive storm damage. Clean-up work is ongoing.
Storm damage in Havelland: collecting wood is allowed - but with rules!
The violent storms in June 2023 caused massive damage in Osthavelland, especially in Falkensee, Dallgow-Döberitz and Schönwalde-Glien. On June 23 and 26, storms devastated the region, leaving numerous roads blocked by broken branches and fallen trees. According to estimates, around 50% of the approximately 33,000 street trees in Falkensee are affected, which represents an enormous challenge in the city. The mayor of Falkensee, Heiko Richter, assumes that the clean-up work will last until the end of the year. Citizens are called upon to help with the clean-up work and, under certain conditions, are allowed to take broken branches for their own use. But an important note: The wood remains the property of the contracted company during the clean-up work, as Thomas Zylla, the city's first alderman, explains.
There are also clear regulations in Schönwalde-Glien: Here, citizens have to pay for the storm wood and the city has set up a price list per cubic meter. Mayor Bodo Oehme points out that unfortunately some citizens also take wood with them without permission. In the neighboring communities of Nauen and Wustermark, the handling of storm wood is a little more relaxed. Citizens are allowed to collect wood there for their own use by arrangement. The remaining pieces of wood are shredded in Wustermark. There have been over 50 reports of damage from public trees in this community, with the amount of damage estimated to be moderate. The work on dealing with the storm damage in Wustermark should be completed by the end of August at the latest.
Keep an eye on weather warnings
The severe weather center differentiates between three warning levels: yellow for possible storms, orange for moderate storms and red for severe storms. In extreme weather conditions, even the purple warning level is issued. The forecasts of the experienced meteorologists are constantly adjusted manually so that citizens are informed around the clock.
Overall, it remains to be seen how lasting the impact of the storms will be on the region. Such weather events are not only a challenge for the infrastructure, they also show the responsibility of each individual when dealing with nature. The coming months will show whether the planned clean-up work can be successfully completed and how communities will deal with such extreme situations in the future.