Danger of flooding on the Elbe: Wittenberge on alert!

Danger of flooding on the Elbe: Wittenberge on alert!

On October 28, 2025, the water level of the Elbe in the Wittenberge region will once again attract attention. In recent decades, the river has caused flooding several times, particularly in 2002 and 2013. Current information about the water level and flood warning levels is of great importance for residents. The water level of the Elbe is recorded using sensors in a gauge house and stored digitally. The water level reading for Wittenberge is currently 144 cm, which is 35% below the average level of 223 cm, as Wetteronline reports.

Martin Ferch from the city of Wittenberge calls on the population to take the authorities' advice seriously and avoid unnecessary onlookers. In the current situation, no water level is published, but the population is still asked to be vigilant. The flood warning levels vary from small flood events, which trigger an alert level 1, to very large flood events, which result in an alert level 4. At a water level of around 4 m, the water at Nedwighafen begins to run and the parking lot is closed. The highest water height ever recorded in Wittenberge was 785 cm.

Flood warning levels in detail

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

A look at the level measurements along the Elbe shows that in Meißen, for example, a level reading of 163 cm was reached, 14% below the average, while Riesa must be protected at 180 cm, almost 17% below that. In the course of monitoring, the importance of affected residents using a contact point for up-to-date information is repeatedly pointed out. Warnings are issued via local media, sirens and loudspeaker announcements, which provide timely information about impending flooding.

Evacuation measures and shipping

Evacuation measures are taken by a crisis team, although no fixed water level is defined for decisions. If there is a risk of flooding, vehicles could be towed to protect property, but this has not previously been necessary. Navigation is regulated by the maximum shipping water level of 610 cm and allows fishing in certain areas of the Elbe with prices for fishing permits ranging from day tickets at €13 and weekly tickets at €25.

The Elbe bridge in Wittenberge, which was opened in 1978, has a length of 1110 m and the railway bridge, opened in 1987, has a headroom of 6.09 m. It remains important to continuously monitor the situation - not only in Wittenberge, but along the entire Elbe, where water levels could rise further in the coming days. A coherent and flexible approach from the authorities and the population is required in order to best counteract possible flood events.

The Elbe shows us the power of nature and always requires attention and respect. It remains to be hoped that the warning systems will be effective and citizens will remain well informed.