Flood risk on the Baltic Sea: Current levels under the magnifying glass!

Flood risk on the Baltic Sea: Current levels under the magnifying glass!

Wismar, Deutschland - storm floods are a well-known phenomenon on the Baltic Sea, which also presents the coastal regions of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with challenges. According to the latest measurements for water level development, there is some data that illustrate future developments and their effects.

like the Ostsee-Zeitung reports, the reasurer for Warnemünde is currently 507 cm, which affects the category of storm surges. The storm surge is defined from a water level of 1.00 m above the average water level, whereby a distinction is made between different storm surge classes.

flooding and risks

But not only the current values are important. Flood hazard cards show the possible extent of floods and the expected water depths. Information on potential flooding is comprehensively documented on the website of the Environment Ministry. According to Lung Meckpom , these cards can be important to see how many residents would affect and which have an effect and which Facilities, such as plants with high pollutant potential, are in danger.

Especially in recent years, coastal protection and flood management were central, for example after the severe storm surge in October, which caused damage of around 56 million euros. The city of Sassnitz alone needed 42 million euros to restore its infrastructure, which underlines the importance of such maps and strategies.

The influence of climate change

climate change also plays a not inconsiderable role in the frequency and severity of the storm surges. The analysis of the Environmental Federal Agency has shown that the highest floods at various levels at North and Sea. These developments mean that the storm surges could possibly become more intensive in the coming years, since the increase in sea levels is added as a further risk factor.

noticeable changes in the storm flood intensities also have a direct connection with the weather conditions, such as strong winds and orographic conditions, which not only lead to dangerous water levels, but also put the necessary protective measures to the test.

Overall, the topic of floods and coastal protection in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will continue to focus, since the dangers of storm surges are becoming more and more present. Local authorities are invited to tackle water hazards with holistic strategies to minimize damage in the future.