Flood warning: water levels in the Baltic Sea cause alarm in MV!

Flood warning: water levels in the Baltic Sea cause alarm in MV!

On July 18, 2025, the water levels of the Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania show different facets. These values ​​are important not only for local residents, but also for tourism and agriculture in the region. The current measuring stations include Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald to ensure a comprehensive picture of the situation. The data from the Ostsee Zeitung report that the water level in Zingst is 526 cm and in Bodstedt is 529 cm above the mean water.

The water level in Ralswiek, which measures 523 cm, is particularly noticeable. The values ​​at other stations such as Börzow and Questin are also of interest, but some places such as Questin show a negative difference to the mean water at -25 cm, which indicates falling levels. These developments underline the importance of flood protection because, as highlighted by Pegelportal MV, there are clear fluctuations that can lead to unexpected flooding.

The importance of flood warnings

Flood warnings are essential in times of increasing extreme weather. On the German Baltic Sea coast, such warnings are communicated by flood control centers, the police and fire departments. The different channels range from radio and television to websites and warning apps to digital billboards. These communication strategies are crucial to inform the population in a timely manner, especially before severe storm surges. It should be noted that a recent severe storm surge last October caused damage amounting to 56 million euros, according to the Ostsee Zeitung reported.

The flood level in Warnemünde shows an average flood level of 617 cm, with the highest level ever measured being 770 cm in 1872. This shows that we live in a region marked by natural forces and that must constantly adapt to meet future challenges such as climate change. In this context, it is interesting to know that floods are one of the most common natural disasters worldwide. According to Statista, they have caused almost 37 percent of all natural disasters since 2000.

Climate change and flood risk

The infographics show that 7.6 percent of all German addresses are at statistical risk of flooding. Urban spatial planning must prepare for this risk as climate change creates more and more extreme weather situations. The destruction of natural floodplains and the development of these areas make floods more likely. In addition, around 400,000 residents in Germany are at risk of flooding in the coming years, especially along rivers such as the Rhine.

The need for a consistent expansion of flood protection and the consideration of natural retention areas is becoming more and more urgent. Even if the regions are growing through new construction projects, future developments must necessarily be carried out with the safety of people and their surroundings in mind. Past floods and their financial impact, such as in Sassnitz, where over 42 million euros of infrastructure had to be restored, show that long-term plans are necessary to keep the risks as low as possible.

So it remains to be seen how the water levels will develop in the coming weeks and whether nature will surprise us with further challenges. What is certain is that in times of climate change we must remain vigilant to ensure the safety of our coastal regions.