Meteorological Conditions - Lake Constance's flooding situation could potentially improve soon.
The recent flood situation at Lake Constance has slightly improved on Wednesday. The Baden-Württemberg Flood Forecasting Center confirmed that the water level has ceased to rise. Currently, the water levels in Konstanz and Bregenz are about 5.10 meters and 5.16 meters respectively, which roughly equates to a ten-year flood level. The lake's water levels are anticipated to decline gradually in the coming days.
In recent days, the lake has overflowed at several locations. In the Swiss town of Gottlieben close to Kreuzlingen in the canton of Thurgau, the lake road got flooded, and water also entered some buildings, as stated by the municipal authorities. The situation seems to be stabilizing, mentioned Mayor Paul Keller. Despite the lake-adjacent streets still being underwater, no additional flood protection measures are currently necessary in the village. It's unclear whether more rainfall might slow down the recession even further or if the water will actually recede.
Concerns raised over emergency response
In nearby Konstanz, precautionary measures were taken to close off shore paths. In collaboration with the Technical Relief Organization (THW), the Hafenstrasse was secured until the Konstanz Council. Sandbag walls and high water protection walls were erected to protect the shipyard buildings of the shipyards.
During their work, the emergency rescue crews faced criticism from bystanders. The measures were mocked, and the police had to clear the necessary barriers due to their presence and instructions to continue their work. "We're all doing what we can to help individual residents and prevent further dangers caused by the flood and significant damage in the city of Konstanz."
Island of Mainau prepares for possible flooding
Mainau Island deployed preventive measures by putting out sandbags. This was intended to protect the bridge at the island's entrance. According to a spokeswoman, the current water level of Lake Constance is at its highest, and it will remain that way for several weeks.
The fire department in Bregenz, Austria, constructed flood barriers and wave breakers. Romanshorn in Switzerland also reported a high water level. However, this hasn't posed any real problem yet, said a spokesman. "No measures have been taken due to the water level so far."
Dry weather expected
The German Meteorological Service predicts no significant rainfall at Lake Constance until the weekend. "At most a few drops," commented a DWD meteorologist. A dry spell is anticipated until Friday, followed by light rain later in the weekend. The temperature is forecast to reach 20 degrees by Friday.
Heavy downpour led to Lake Constance's flood earlier in June. In June, heavy rain caused flooding, leading to two deaths, thousands being evacuated, landslides, and dam failures. Bavaria was also significantly impacted.
Flood protection debate
The Baden-Württemberg State Parliament discussed flood protection and adapting to the consequences of climate change on Wednesday. Green Environment Minister, Thekla Walker, urged increased investments in flood protection. "We will face events like these more often, and not necessarily always where we can predict them," said the Green politician.
Investing significantly more in flood protection and climate change adaptation is necessary, as acknowledged by much of the opposition. SPD parliamentary group leader, Andreas Stoch, argued that flood protection is helpful. "Dams, retention basins, less sealing, natural river and stream courses, and also floodplains can avert disasters." However, many dams need to be upgraded, and they're generally not high enough. "We need to step up our game," stated Stoch.
FDP MP, Daniel Karrais, emphasized that we mustn't only concentrate on climate protection but also on adapting to the effects of climate change. The state government should prioritize potential measures more. There should be no obstacles to implementing nature and species protection.
The AfD blamed the state government for permitting excessive land sealing, which was the cause of the catastrophic consequences.
However, no compromise on climate protection should be made. "What we're experiencing as far as weather events currently is the result of past CO2 emissions," insisted Environment Minister Walker. Overemphasizing climate change adaptation- rather than climate protection- could be hazardous. "That would mean that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren wouldn't be able to control such weather events."
Read also:
- Despite the improvement in the flood situation, the Baden-Württemberg Flood Forecasting Center continues to monitor Lake Constance closely.
- In Bregenz, Austria, the police have been assisting in the flood protection efforts, working alongside the THW and the local fire department.
- The popular tourist destination of Mainau Island, located near Constance, has activated its flood protection measures due to the high water levels.
- A flood warning has been issued for the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen in the canton of Thurgau, as the weather forecast predicts a possible storm approaching Lake Constance.
- Switzerland's National Emergency Response Task Force (NERF) has been called into action, forming an operational force to deal with the flood situation emerging on both sides of Lake Constance.
- Thekla Walker, the Green Environment Minister in Baden-Württemberg, has called for increased funding for flood protection and climate change adaptation initiatives.
- In response to the flood warnings, the residents of Kreuzlingen have been urged to stay informed about the flood situation and avoid areas prone to flooding.
- The THW teams have been aiding the police in the evacuation of residents from flood-prone areas near Lake Constance, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants.
- The flood protection structures in Romanshorn, Switzerland, are being closely monitored by the local authorities, as the water levels remain high and a potential storm threatens the region.
