- substantial financial investment for building alarm systems
Following the devastating floods in the Ahr Valley, there have been 48 approved municipal requests for warning systems, amounting to a total of approximately 10.8 million euros in funding, as stated by Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD) in response to a parliamentary inquiry from the Free Voters faction in Mainz.
As of now, 296 sirens have been built, and it's anticipated that more are under construction or have already been completed. Around 2.1 million euros have been disbursed since 2021.
The mid-July 2021 flood incident led to the tragic loss of 136 lives in Rhineland-Pfalz, with 135 fatalities in the Ahr region and one in Trier. One individual is still reported missing. In neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia, 49 lives were claimed due to excessive rain. Countless homes were destroyed, and roads and bridges were swept away. Numerous schools and kindergartens also suffered damage.
The aftermath of the flood disaster prompted reforms to Rhineland-Pfalz's disaster protection measures. Consequently, municipalities have been investing more resources into expanding the siren network within Rhineland-Pfalz. Previously outdated systems are now deemed crucial components of a diverse set of warning techniques.
On this coming Thursday, disaster warning systems will undergo tests in both Rhineland-Pfalz and the Saarland. During the nationwide civil defense exercise, a test alarm will be triggered at 11:00 AM through various channels. Sirens on rooftops will sound, mobile warning apps will activate, and information will be disseminated via radio, television, and digital information boards nationwide.
After the Ahr Valley experienced devastating floods, there have been numerous requests for warning systems in affected municipalities. As of now, construction or completion of additional sirens is ongoing, contributing to the expansion of the siren network in the Ahr region.
