First groundbreaking: Niegripper dike renovation for better flood protection

First groundbreaking: Niegripper dike renovation for better flood protection

Niegripp, Deutschland - in Niegripp started an important step towards better flood protection on June 19, 2025. Environment Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann and the director of the state company for flood protection and water management (LHW), Martina Großen-Sudhues, set the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Niegripper Deichs. This measure is part of an extensive project to remedy flood damage and costs around 2.8 million euros, financed by the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRE) and own funds from state and federal budget. The explained goal: to significantly increase the security for the neighboring communities in the Jerichower Land district.

How Magdeburg-klickt.de, the dike is renovated and increased at around 870 meters according to DIN specifications. Future reductions of up to 60 centimeters are also taken into account, which threaten to mining salt in the region. The renovation work should be completed by the end of 2026. Particular attention is also paid to the improvement of accessibility in flood cases by expanding dike control and dike defense paths.

a look into the past

The need for such measures becomes particularly clear if you think back to the devastating flood events. In 2013, the Elbe catchment area was affected by massive floods. Over 145 square kilometers were under water, and the population in many towns, especially in Saxony-Anhalt, had to be evacuated. At that time, the total economic damage amounted to around 10 billion euros, of which around 5.2 billion euros were eliminated to the Elbe catchment area. This tragedy underlines the urgency of an effective flood protection, such as havelpolder.de.

The experiences from the 2002 and 2013 experiences not only reveal the knowledge that technical solutions alone were not sufficient. An increase in extreme weather events is currently being observed, which are also caused by climate change. This leads to a higher risk of flooding, especially in slopes and coastal places. Therefore, comprehensive flood management, which is focused on by the federal and state governments, is of enormous importance. The results from the floods illustrate this need, which is explained in detail at [bundes-regierung.de] (https://www.bundes-de/breg-de/aktuelles/hochwater protection-1944386).

steps into the future

As part of the national flood protection program, which was launched and after the 2013 floods, nationwide regulations on water management and flood risk management are to be created. An interdisciplinary approach is followed, which puts better flood prevention and the creation of retention areas in the foreground. The plans are ambitious: the goal is an expansion of 20,000 hectares of flooding areas to minimize the risk of future floods.

As you can see, there is still a lot to do. But with the groundbreaking ceremony in Niegripp, an important sign was set. Investments in flood protection are a step in the right direction - not only for the people in the region, but for everyone who lives in the flood areas along the Elbe.