The alarm level is rising: the Elbe in Wittenberge is in danger of flooding again!

The alarm level is rising: the Elbe in Wittenberge is in danger of flooding again!

On October 29, 2025, there is a tense situation on the Elbe near Wittenberge. The water situation is cause for concern as the Elbe has caused serious flooding several times in the past - particularly in 2002 and 2013. According to the report by maz-online.de The population is asked to follow the advice of the responsible authorities and to avoid onlookers. Martin Ferch, a spokesman for the city of Wittenberge, emphasizes this with regard to the current flood warning.

Important to know: The current water level of the Elbe near Wittenberge has not yet been specified, but the warning levels are clearly defined. At a water level of approximately 4 meters, the water at Nedwighafen begins to flow, which leads to the parking lot being closed. Historically, the lowest low water level was 45 cm, measured on September 29, 1947, while the highest flood level was 785 cm (June 9, 2013).

Flood warning levels and measures

The flood warning levels in Brandenburg range from alert level 1 (small flood) to alert level 4 (very large flood). These levels are critical to flood management and safety precautions in the region:

• Alarmstufe 1: Kleines Hochwasser, Beginn der Ausuferung.
• Alarmstufe 2: Mittleres Hochwasser, Überflutung von Grünland.
• Alarmstufe 3: Großes Hochwasser, Überflutung von Grundstücken.
• Alarmstufe 4: Sehr großes Hochwasser, Überflutung größerer Flächen.

It was necessary to close the Elbe bridges in 2013, but not when the water level was 785 cm. Current level measurements are carried out by a measuring system in a gauge house that records the values ​​electronically. Flood warnings are coordinated by various institutions and distributed via channels such as radio, television and social media. If evacuations are imminent, the crisis team makes timely decisions.

Supporting information platforms

In addition to the campaign, platforms such as: Undine about hydrological extreme events. This information platform shows current measurements from rivers such as the Elbe, as well as historical extreme events, and aims to provide the population with understandable information. Users can select specific river areas to receive targeted information about current water levels or temperatures.

This makes it easier to understand and evaluate the water situation. Another aspect is the fishing permit in the Elbe: fishing is permitted between kilometers 447.6 and 458.25, and a day ticket costs 13 euros, while a weekly ticket is available for 25 euros.

The situation remains tense and the community is asked to be vigilant and adhere to official information. Hopefully Wittenberge will be spared from severe flooding, as has often occurred in the past.