Flood in South Baden: A year after the disaster - act now!

Flood in South Baden: A year after the disaster - act now!

a year after the devastating flood events in Germany, the situation remains tense for many affected people. At the end of May and early June 2024, massive floods in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria led to an estimated 4.1 billion euros in damage, with great losses in particular struggling with high losses. According to bnn.de , several people died in these natural disaster, and the German insurance market, represented by the GDV, estimates the insured damage to around two billion euros.

Bayern has already paid over 60 million euros in help and has launched an immediate aid program that is to provide up to 200 million euros for the injured party. The auxiliary measures are aimed not only at private individuals, but also to commercial companies and farmers, even if they have no insurance cover. The discussion about compulsory insurance against flood damage was also initiated, since only about 45 percent of the residential buildings in Bavaria are sufficiently insured against elementary damage, as the Consumer Center Bavaria

investments in flood protection

In order to minimize future flood damage, the Bavarian government is planning numerous investments in flood protection. Around four billion euros have been invested in the construction of dikes and the renovation measures of dams since 2001. By 2030, further billion dollar investments will be prospect of increasing security in flood-prone areas. Currently over 190 kilometers of dikes and 70 kilometers of flood protection walls have been rebuilt.

The need for such measures is all the more pressing because floods are considered the most common natural disasters worldwide. According to Statista , they have had a share of almost 37 percent in all natural disasters since 2000. The situation is tightened by climate change, which brings a warmer atmosphere and thus more frequent heavy rain events. Regions along the Rhine and its tributaries, where around 400,000 inhabitants are threatened by floods in the coming years, are particularly susceptible.

risk management and insurance coverage

The damage caused by floods are diverse. Damage to buildings is usually taken over by residential building insurance, but only if there is an elementary damage insurance. Damage to furniture and furnishings are covered by household insurance - also only in the case of corresponding additional insurance. The consumer center recommends checking their own insurance contracts after the flood events in order to find better conditions.

Overall, the current situation shows that flood protection in Germany still has to be significantly expanded in order to meet the growing threat from extreme weather conditions and their consequences. A consistent and sustainable handling of natural flood areas and comprehensive planning are essential to ensure the future of the regions concerned.