Storm warning in MV: Extreme rainfall threatens the region!

Storm warning in MV: Extreme rainfall threatens the region!

Today the meteorological services for parts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are warning of extremely heavy, continuous rain, which is expected to occur from Monday evening to Tuesday lunchtime. The Süddeutsche reports that up to 140 liters per square meter could fall during this period. The central part of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is particularly affected, including Rostock, Stralsund, Hiddensee and parts of Rügen up to the Mecklenburg Lake District. This brings back memories of the devastating flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in the summer of 2021, but in this case the conditions are somewhat easier to manage due to the good water drainage on the Baltic Sea.

Citizens should prepare for the possible impacts. Flooded cellars and full underpasses are expected locally, which is why District Administrator Michael Sack (CDU) is calling on the population to exercise vigilance and take appropriate protective measures. While the Mecklenburg Lake District does not necessarily expect a flood situation, local flooding can certainly be possible. The city of Rostock informed via warning app has also raised concerns about the performance of the wastewater system.

measures in the region

In advance of the impending storm, the Stralsund regional water and wastewater company (Rewa) has taken measures to increase the performance of the wastewater system. The opening of the Special Olympics in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is also planned, which has to be moved to the Rostock Hanseatic Exhibition Center due to the weather conditions. More than 200 athletes will compete in five sports, despite the unpleasant weather conditions.

The comparison to the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley is not far off, where flood protection measures are already being pushed forward. How ZDF today According to reports, work is being done on 19 flood retention basins in the Ahr Valley in order to be prepared for future flood events. These basins are intended to accumulate water and thereby prevent it from flowing uncontrollably into the Ahr when heavy rain occurs. Despite the planned investments of up to 2 billion euros and extensive measures, the risk of floods due to climate change remains.

A look into the future

The work in the Ahr Valley will continue for years. Around 1,000 measures are planned over the next two to three years to restore the rivers so that flood levels can be reduced and the flow speed reduced. It must also be taken into account that there is no land available for the construction of the retention basins; many areas are privately owned.

In view of the current weather forecasts and the serious experiences in the Ahr Valley, it becomes clear how important a prudent approach to flood management in Germany is. Coming to terms with the disaster and implementing effective protective measures remains a major challenge for the affected communities.