Severe weather conditions hit the area, causing destruction and disruptions. - The German Association of Cities urges higher expenditure on flood defenses.
Due to the escalating flood incidents in Southern Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the German Association of Cities and Towns is urging the federal government and states to allocate more funds towards flood protection. Helmut Dedy, the managing director of the Association, expressed his thoughts to RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND), stating, "Floods are occurring more frequently, and our nation needs to be better ready for this situation."
The emergency services demand top-notch equipment and infrastructure for tackling these disasters. Dedy emphasized the need for a permanent increase in funds rather than short-term solutions, saying, "The federal government and states must substantially enhance the funding for flood and disaster protection."
With global warming, the costs incurred by cities and municipalities for initiatives such as dam construction, drainage, and irrigation are expected to surge. "Climate adaptation will become an ongoing obligation for municipalities," Dedy noted to RND. As extreme weather events become more common, cities must bolster their infrastructure to cope with the changing climate. This will involve significant investments, including the addition of more green spaces, reduced paving, and the expansion of retention basins to handle floods or heavy rain.
