Storm - Reservoirs in the Harz remain very full
After the peak levels over Christmas, the reservoirs in the Harz region are still very full. The filling level of the Okertalsperre, for example, is still at around 90 percent, said a spokesperson for the Harz waterworks in Hildesheim on Tuesday. The situation is being continuously analyzed together with experts from the Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation (NLWKN).
The German Weather Service (DWD) had warned of severe weather for the Harz Mountains on Monday. Heavy continuous rain is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday, it said.
Due to the high levels, more water than usual is currently being released from the reservoirs in a controlled manner, the spokesperson explained. "However, the emergency mechanism is off." It is currently not expected to start again.
From Tuesday last week, water was released from the dams via emergency spillways for several days because the intended maximum reservoir volume had been exceeded. The so-called spillway then automatically goes into operation. This ended at the Okertalsperre on Thursday. Even when dams are more than 100 percent full, the water does not overflow uncontrollably because the dam walls are built high enough.
Read also:
- A clan member is punished here
- Traffic lawyer warns: Don't talk to the police!
- Will he be convicted as Jutta's murderer after 37 years?
- He also wanted to kill his cousin
- Despite the recent Christmas festivities, the flood warnings in Lower Saxony's Harz region remain a concern, with the Okertalsperre reservoir still at a high fill level of approximately 90%.
- The Flood situation in Hildesheim and surrounding areas has been closely monitored by the Harz waterworks and NLWKN experts since last Tuesday.
- In anticipation of the severe weather predicted by the German Weather Service (DWD) for the upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday, the dams are currently releasing more water than usual to prevent any potential flood issues.
- The Dutch-German Water and Waste Management Company (NLWKN) has been working with the local waterworks to ensure the Fill level of the dams is managed safely, with the Okertalsperre's fill level having returned to a more stable 90% after rising earlier in the week.
- The recent Climate changes and unpredictable weather patterns have contributed to an increase in the demand for proper water management and precautions, with emergency mechanisms like the Okertalsperre's spillway serving an essential role in maintaining safety.
- Despite the heavy rain and potential for further Floods, the emergency mechanism at the Okertalsperre remains off, and the dam's water level remains stable, thanks to the diligent efforts of local water management authorities and experts.
- The residents of Hildesheim and other Lower Saxony cities can take comfort in the knowledge that their water infrastructure is well-equipped to handle the challenges of bad weather, ensuring a safe and resilient Christmas and holiday season for all.
Source: www.stern.de
