Storm in Zwickau: 85 fire brigade operations after heavy rain and lightning strikes!

Storm in Zwickau: 85 fire brigade operations after heavy rain and lightning strikes!

Heavy rain and violent thunderstorms caused real chaos in western Saxony on Sunday. The volunteer fire brigades in the Zwickau district were in constant stress and had a total of 85 missions between 4 p.m. and midnight. They faced major challenges such as full cellars, flooded streets and broken branches. A lightning strike in Kirchberg also caused a stir, while two accidents were recorded on the A4 motorway. The rescue control center announced the number of operations on Monday morning and made it clear that the weather situation had drastic effects. The weather wasn't particularly inviting in other parts of Germany either. In Lower Saxony, for example, there were chaotic scenes similar to this NDR reported.

In Lower Saxony the weather was also not without consequences. The fire brigades were called into action there due to strong thunderstorms. The fire in a residential building in Beverstedt in the Cuxhaven district was particularly dramatic and was probably caused by a lightning strike. In addition, thick branches were torn off in Hanover's Eilenriede city forest, which caused further damage. Large outdoor events such as the Fonsstock Festival in Nordenham also had to be canceled prematurely. The stormy conditions also put a strain on the Waves Festival in Wedemark, which was attended by around 6,000 people.

connection with climate change

It cannot be overlooked that such extreme weather events are increasing due to climate change. A study of German Weather Service shows that heavy rain events have been occurring more frequently in recent years, according to data analysis. This study, carried out as part of the Strategic Authorities Alliance “Adaptation to Climate Change”, confirms that precipitation today often falls as small-scale heavy rain and less as long-lasting rain. This development leads to a higher total amount of precipitation and potentially higher damage.

The data collected indicates that the dangers from heavy rain depend heavily on local conditions. Fire departments are often deployed in depressions and heavily populated areas where the risk of flooding is particularly high. As part of the recommendations for improving civil protection, it is crucial to optimize the collection of operational data and to create a comprehensive situation report on operational exposure during heavy rain. Voices from the expert world, such as that of DWD board member Tobias Fuchs, underline the urgency of implementing climate protection and adaptation measures to mitigate the effects of such weather extremes.