Long flood events likely to be more frequent in future

Expert - Long flood events likely to be more frequent in future

As a consequence of the floods, experts are calling for a rethink of flood protection. "In the course of climate change, where the flood processes will change, we will certainly see other types of floods in the future," said Ralf Merz, hydrologist at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in Halle (Saale), on Deutschlandfunk radio. "Such long flood events will certainly occur more often in the future."

Thousands of helpers have been working in several federal states for days. Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are particularly affected. Much of the damage could be avoided, said the hydrologist. According to Merz, consideration should be given to whether the current flood protection system still works. "Because perhaps what we have learned from the past is not always a good measure for the future."

The expert pointed out, for example, that there are now far fewer floodplains - i.e. natural floodplains. At the same time, the expert pointed out: "Of course, we will never have one hundred percent flood protection. It is not financially or technically feasible and the landscape cannot be converted."

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1. The Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ in Halle (Saale), led by hydrologist Ralf Merz, is advocating for a reevaluation of flood protection strategies in response to recent flood events.
2. The bad weather has resulted in flood events that have impacted several federated states in Germany, including Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
3. Merz emphasized that, as a consequence of climate change, we should expect more frequent instances of prolonged flood events in the future.
4. In an effort to minimize damage, Merz suggested reexamining the current flood protection system, questioning whether it remains an effective measure for the future.
5. One of the challenges Merz highlighted is the reduction in floodplains, which serve as natural barriers against floodwaters.
6. However, Merz also acknowledged that complete flood protection is not feasible or cost-effective; nor is the conversion of the landscape possible.
7. Although Germany is currently dealing with flood events in many places, similar situations may arise in other parts of Deutschlandfunk, calling for a comprehensive and long-term approach to flood protection.
8. As officials in Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia work to address the immediate impact of the floods, the need for future-proof flood protection strategies becomes increasingly apparent.

Source: www.stern.de