Flood - Rudersberg: Damage of over 120 million euros after flooding
The flood in Rudersberg one month ago caused damages worth more than 120 million Euro in estimation of the municipality, according to the town hall of the 11,700-inhabitant community located in the Rems-Murr-District, north-east of Stuttgart. This includes damages to public infrastructure, businesses, and private households.
In Need of Help - Municipality Cannot Bear the Damages Alone
"Rudersberg is now one of the most severely affected communities in Baden-Württemberg," explained Mayor Raimon Ahrens. "It will take years to rebuild the infrastructure. Almost everything, from the sewage plant to the youth house, has been damaged." Over 1000 households were affected by the flood and heavy rain on the night of June 3. Some districts were reportedly under two meters of water, and emergency services and fire departments had to ensure their own safety during the night. "It's a miracle that no one was injured in the community of Rudersberg," said Ahrens.
"We can only cope with this challenge with financial support," declared the non-partisan mayor. Politicians at the federal and state levels have visited the site. However, the community is still waiting for concrete commitments. Ahrens trusts, "that politics will keep their promises and we can rebuild our community." The damage, which the municipality must bear after subtracting insurance payouts, is far beyond its annual budget.
Bridges destroyed, foundations slid, buildings uninhabitable
A severe rain cell caused the small river Wieslauf to swell into a torrent within a few minutes, explained the town administration. "At the same time, water from the slopes flooded the residential areas." In recent years, the flood barriers had functioned perfectly and kept the water masses from the slopes of the communities in check. However, they could not hold back the water masses from the steeply sloping communities. Hundreds of emergency services were in action for six days.
Approximately half of the public institutions reportedly show damages. Buildings are partially unusable. For instance, both baths are closed. "Where normally up to 50,000 bathing guests tumble around in a year, the repair companies are currently at work." Road and bike path connections are significantly damaged or have slid. Around 30 landslides are hindering the cleanup efforts and must be secured long-term. Some buildings are therefore currently uninhabitable. Of the 29 bridges in the municipal area, 20 are damaged, two bridge structures are completely destroyed.
Mayor Praises Helping Spirit
According to the announcement, around 400,000 Euro have already been donated to the community's donation account. A portion of this has been distributed as emergency aid to affected individuals. The spirit of solidarity is good, said Ahrens. Everyone helps where they can. "We sense a good sense of community and are overwhelmed by the great willingness to help and support."
- Despite the significant damages happening in Baden-Württemberg, specifically in Rudersberg, politicians have yet to provide concrete financial commitments to aid in the rebuilding process.
- The severe flood in Rudersberg, located in southern Germany, has rendered approximately half of its public institutions unusable, including both public baths.
- The Stuttgart fire department and other emergency services had to ensure their own safety during the flood as some districts were submerged under two meters of water, affecting over 1000 households.
- The financial burden of the damages, which exceeds the community's annual budget, is overwhelming for Rudersberg, which is now facing challenges in meeting its financial obligations.
