Danger of flooding in the Burgenland district: White Elster over the water level!

Danger of flooding in the Burgenland district: White Elster over the water level!

Today, June 15, 2025, weather conditions in Germany have once again caused concern. The flood warning was issued for the White Elster river area and the Pleiße tributary. The situation is particularly tense in the Burgenlandkreis and Greiz regions. As early as 4:24 p.m., residents of the waters will receive official information from the State Flood Center (LHW) and should be vigilant about the current weather situation, which is loud [news.de].

In Germany, historic floods are rare in summer, but as the current warning shows, they can also occur in June. Heavy rain causes water levels to rise, greatly increasing the risk of flooding. It is advisable to keep the water level information Saxony up to date in order to stay informed.

Current development of water levels

According to the last update on June 15, 2025 at 5:45 p.m. (CEST), water levels have already exceeded alert levels. What is alarming is that the values ​​exceed the guideline values ​​for alarm levels 1 to 4, up to level 4, which is considered flood defense. In comparison, there is currently no flood reporting function. Although the level values ​​are measurable, the reports from de.statista.com state that the numbers are without guarantee and are primarily based on unchecked raw data.

But what does this actually mean for the affected residents? A look at the alert levels shows that extreme caution is required. Local flood events are particularly difficult to predict due to heavy rain, which is why citizens living near bodies of water should closely monitor all official information. If you have any questions, contact persons at the LHWZ reporting center are available by telephone and email.

The role of climate change

Climate change is increasingly seen as a driving force behind these flood events. Scientific data shows that a warmer atmosphere can store more water, leading to more frequent heavy rain events. This is not just a problem for the same region, but affects the whole of Germany, with around 400,000 residents at risk of flooding in the coming years, especially along the Rhine and its tributaries. A fundamental rethinking of spatial planning could reduce the risks, because the destruction of natural floodplains and the increasing sealing of soils make floods more likely.

Overall, the current situation shows that floods are one of the most common natural events worldwide and regularly reveal the risks and vulnerabilities of our infrastructure and society. In order to minimize future damage, a consistent expansion of flood protection that recognizes and uses the natural retention areas is essential.