Finally protection for Neundorf: the tallest building against flooding is finished!

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In Neundorf, Suhl, an important flood protection structure was completed on the Steinbach to prevent future floods.

In Neundorf, Suhl wurde ein wichtiger Hochwasserschutzbau am Steinbach fertiggestellt, um zukünftige Überschwemmungen zu verhindern.
In Neundorf, Suhl, an important flood protection structure was completed on the Steinbach to prevent future floods.

Finally protection for Neundorf: the tallest building against flooding is finished!

The tranquil town of Neundorf, part of Suhl, has now taken another step to arm itself against the challenges of flooding. On Thursday, the last flood protection component became an integral part of the Steinbach, which in the past often overflowed its banks after heavy rain or during melting snow. The new, 37-tonne element will act as an overflow and ensure that water is drained into a relief channel in the event of overfilling. Under honorable circumstances, this structure was used in cloudy weather, which initially delayed work for two hours as rain filled the excavation pit and the mud had to be removed with an excavator. The city of Suhl is determined to offer residents a safe environment, especially since floods have led to flooding in basements and streets in the past, reports MDR.

But that's not the only thing happening in Neundorf at the moment. The renovation of the Steinbach, which extends over several construction phases, has cost several million euros since 2013. The final construction phase will be completed as quickly as possible and a lot of preparation is currently underway. A concrete corset has given the stream a new shape in its lower sections, while the upper areas still flow naturally. The residents know about the dangers posed by floods; They were repeatedly hit by floods on the streets and in their cellars, as inSüdthueringen reported.

Climate adaptation in focus

At a time when the consequences of the climate crisis are becoming increasingly noticeable in Germany, the issue of flood protection is particularly important. Weather extremes such as heavy rain and floods are increasing. That's why the need to adapt to these changes is more pressing than ever. Current concepts, such as the “sponge city”, offer solutions to allow water to seep into unsealed areas and thus protect cellars and streets. In addition, at the end of 2023, the federal government passed the first nationwide climate adaptation law, which will come into force until July 2024. This requires the states to develop climate adaptation concepts in order to systematically react to extreme weather events, as Federal Environment Ministry explains.

Neundorf shows how important such initiatives are. The experience gained from flooding makes it clear that investments in flood protection are essential. With around 6.8 million euros invested by the city of Suhl itself and additional funds from other institutions, the total construction costs amount to around 8.3 million euros. The street “An der Hasel” is being completely renovated, and new rain, dirt and drinking water canals as well as gas and power lines have been integrated into the work. The third construction phase is scheduled to be completed this year.

It remains to be hoped that the measures taken will bear fruit and Neundorf will become a little safer. Collaboration and investments are the key to the future.