Association: Bavaria's highest storm damage in Passau
In Bavaria, the three-river city of Passau has been hit hardest by storms over the past two decades. According to the German Insurance Association (GDV) on Tuesday, floods, storms and heavy rain caused an average of EUR 11,000 damage to buildings there between 2002 and 2021.
The Lower Bavarian districts of Deggendorf (10,800 euros) and Rottal-Inn (10,700 euros) followed in second and third place in Bavaria. Floods on the Danube and Inn caused millions in damage in 2002 and 2013, while hurricane Kyrill swept across Bavaria in January 2007.
"The inhabitants of the Bamberg district got off the worst of the 20 years in Bavaria. The damage there amounted to just under 1000 euros per building," the GDV reported. In the Franconian districts of Lichtenfels, Kulmbach and the Main-Spessart district, storm damage was also very low at less than 1,100 euros in 20 years. According to the GDV, the national average is 2900 euros per building in 20 years.
Only 45 percent of buildings in Bavaria are insured against natural hazards. "If the federal and state governments do not provide adequate protection for houses and cities, building insurance will become very expensive," said GDV Managing Director Jörg Asmussen. Without prevention, it will not be possible to close the insurance gap for natural hazards. Insurers are calling for binding measures. For example, homeowners should install upstands on basement stairs and install pressure-tight windows.
Despite the frequent storms in Bavaria, many buildings remain uninsured against natural hazards, potentially leading to significant financial losses during a major storm. For instance, if a severe storm similar to hurricane Kyrill were to hit again, uninsured buildings in Bavaria could face substantial damage, requiring costly repairs or even replacement.
Source: www.dpa.com
