Flood risk on the Elbe: Wittenberge is preparing!

Flood risk on the Elbe: Wittenberge is preparing!

Wittenberge, Deutschland - The Elbe is currently showing a worrying behavior, because the water levels rise and the flood warning levels focus on. In Brandenburg, the authorities prepare for possible floods [^1^]. The city of Wittenberge, which has been haunted by severe flooding several times in the past few decades, is particularly affected by 2002 and 2013. Martin Ferch from Wittenberge advises the citizens to take the information from the authorities seriously and not to end up unnecessarily by acting as onlookers [^1^].

not only in Wittenberge, also in other regions along the Elbe, the situation is pouring. In Dresden, warning level 3 was reached on September 18, 2024, which can lead to floods in built -up areas [^2^]. A water level of 6.01 meters was registered there. But there is also hope: falling water levels on other levels, such as on the Neisse and Spree, are predicted for the coming days.

flood warning levels exactly in view

The warning levels in Brandenburg are clearly defined: In alarm level 1, the water begins to cross, in alarm level 2 floods of meadows and fields are added, while alarm level 3 is devoted to the flooding of land [^1^]. The highest level, alarm level 4, leaves larger areas under water. With a water level of about 4 meters, it becomes critical at Nedwighafen, which can lead to the blocking of the parking lot.

The level measurements are carried out electronically in a level house that stores the current water levels. In the event of floods, corresponding warnings about radio, television, loudspeaker cars and social media can be spread quickly [^1^]. The crisis staff always becomes active to coordinate evacuation measures - a firm level for triggering such measures is not determined.

flood also in other regions

A look over the national borders shows that the risk of flooding not only affects Germany: large areas are already flooded in neighboring countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria, which has led to more than 20 deaths [^2^]. A state of emergency was also proclaimed in Austria, and over 1800 buildings had to be cleared. The aid organizations, including the German Red Cross, are planning support and auxiliary transports to the affected areas.

It is important to keep an eye on the weather and water levels. Platforms such as Undine offer valuable information about extreme hydrological events and enable quick access to current water measurements and historical comparison values [^3^]. This type of information helps to better react to flood events and to initiate the right measures in good time.

The situation is tense, but joint efforts by authorities and citizens can help minimize damage. It remains to be hoped that the water levels will sink again soon and the Elbe calms down again.

MAZ-online …
N-tv informs about floods in Dresden ...
Undine provides current information about extreme hydrological events ...