Persistent Flood Hazards Continually Endanger Hundreds of Thousands
Approximately 384,000 people in Germany are forecasted to experience flood incidents in the future, with the Rhine and its tributaries, along with the Elbe, being significantly impacted, according to research. Nearly 190,800 residents are particularly susceptible in these regions.
A study from the Independent Institute for Environmental Issues (UfU) funded by the Green parliamentary group also indicates that around 98,800 inhabitants living alongside the Elbe river are at risk. The figures, which were published today, take into account flood risk management plans within the states.
However, the study authors caution that the number of individuals affected could alter due to potential future changes. Prior floods, such as those on the Oder, suggest that the projected scale might undershoot the actual impact.
In early February, another study by the insurance industry (GDV) suggested that more than 300,000 construction sites in Germany could be exposed to flooding.
Safety Measures Advocated
Heavy rainfall spells the need for improved safety measures, according to UfU researchers. "Although heavy rainfall events are not long-term predictable, establishing monitoring systems and forecasting models remains crucial," they argue.
The state of Hesse is commended for its forward-thinking approach, having developed user-friendly heavy rain hazard maps and a municipal monitoring system that experts suggest should be expanded nationwide.
Julia Verlinden, the Greens' deputy faction leader, terms the predicted flood victims count "alarming." High volumes of precipitation are once again expected in various parts of Germany this week. Therefore, Verlinden emphasizes the need to adjust flood protection measures to climate crisis requirements and better protect people.
Beyond enhancing existing flood defenses such as reliable dikes and expansive floodplains, legislation is essential: Expanding insurance coverage against natural disasters owing to flooding during this legislative period is necessary, according to Verlinden. "The climate crisis can no longer be ignored financially," she stresses.
Compulsory Insurance Debate Unresolved
The federal government hasn't reached consensus with the states regarding the implementation of mandatory insurance against natural disasters. While the states advocate for a comprehensive mandatory insurance policy that doesn't financially burden rented or owned properties, Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann is currently opposing this standpoint.
Recently, a potential compromise seemed possible. Insurers could be required to offer such a policy, but there's no current obligation to purchase it.
Following the floods on the Ahr and Erft in 2021, the total damage bill amounted to more than 40 billion euros. Proponents of mandatory insurance maintain that the state cannot shoulder these costs alone. The burdens should be redistributed equally.
The UfU study further highlights that approximately 98,800 individuals living near the Elbe river are at risk of flood incidents, joining the 190,800 residents in other vulnerable regions. Subsequently, the risk of floods of the Elbe necessitates enhanced safety measures and potential legislation to expand insurance coverage against natural disasters.
