Flood risk: Current levels on the Baltic Sea in July 2025!

Flood risk: Current levels on the Baltic Sea in July 2025!

Warnemünde, Deutschland - Today, on July 1, 2025, the water levels of the Baltic Sea are under closer observation. The location is continuously updated, especially at the measuring stations in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald. According to Ostsee-Zeitung We are currently facing the challenges that can be caused by flood events. The terms "medium low water" (MNW) and "Medium Flood" (MHW) (MHW) gain in importance: In Warnemünde, the values ​​are 407 cm and 617 cm above the observed periods from November 2010 to October 2020.

The alarming situation is underpinned by the historical flood stalls. In Warnemünde, the maximum of 770 cm was measured on November 13, 1872, while the lowest point was recorded at 332 cm on October 18, 1967. These strongly fluctuating levels illustrate how important preventive measures are to get such extreme situations under control.

flooding and risks

Flood hazard cards, which are made available, among other things by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Consumer Protection Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, show not only the dimensions of floods, but also the water depths in endangered areas. According to Lung.MV-Gandtungenung.de , such cards can provide important information on potential damage and risks, for example for economical activities or UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The last hard blow through a severe storm surge in October not only beaten emotional waves, but also financial. The city of Sassnitz reported a financial requirement of around 42 million euros for the restoration of the infrastructure and invested an additional six million euros in compensation for sand loss on beaches and dunes. Such amounts give an idea of ​​how important effective flood prevention is.

strategies for flood protection

But what can be done about it? The answer lies in flood risk management. It is of central importance to avoid damage. There can be no full protection against floods, but comprehensive management is necessary. According to an article of the Environmental Federal Agency , the measures should concentrate on provision, preparation, coping and follow-up.

An aspect to be emphasized are the regular tests and updates of the flood danger and risk cards, which are to be carried out by December 22, 2025 at the latest. A new cycle is initiated every six years to adapt the circumstances to better capture potential risks.

So there is still a lot of work ahead of us. A good hand in implementing the necessary measures can be crucial for how well we are prepared for future flood events. It is a collective task that goes far beyond municipal borders.