Flood alarm: Current water levels on the Baltic Sea in MV

Flood alarm: Current water levels on the Baltic Sea in MV

In the past few days, many places on the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have been affected by increased levels. Current information about the water levels show a variety of measuring stations, including Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, and Stralsund. On June 19, 2025, the highest values ​​in Warnemünde with 770 cm in the flood level and 332 cm in the lowest water level were recorded, which illustrates the susceptibility of this region for storm surges. According to Ostsee-Zeitung The definition for "medium low water" and "medium flood" in Warnemünde is between 407 cm and 617 cm.

In the current levels on June 20, 2025, the level portal MV that surveys were carried out in Zingst (506 cm) and Ralswiek (533 cm). Data from other measuring stations such as Bodstedt and Stralsund also document water levels that are above the standard values. These things make it clear that the coastal region is increasingly under pressure, especially through the influence of climate change.

storm floods and their effects

The storm floods along the Baltic Sea coast lead to considerable damage. The last serious storm surge in October 2024 according to Ostsee-Zeitung caused damage of 56 million euros. The city of Sassnitz has registered a financial requirement of around 42 million euros to restore the infrastructure. Main affected areas include tourist infrastructure, port protection systems and the sand loss on beaches that are to be compensated for by artificial flushing of 6 million euros.

according to Statista floods are the most common natural disasters worldwide. Over 37 percent of all natural disasters have been triggered by flood events since 2000. The threat from flooding is particularly high for around 400,000 inhabitants: inside that live in floods, including along the Rhine.

Need for effective flood protection

The increase in flood events requires a decisive expansion of flood protection and the consideration of natural retention rooms. These initiatives could help to reduce the susceptibility of the infrastructure and the society for future extreme weather conditions. It is particularly alarming that 7.6 percent of all addresses in Germany are statistically exposed to a risk of flood. In view of the rising water levels, it is urgently needed that the federal government, countries and municipalities work together to develop and implement effective protective measures.