Danger of flooding on the Baltic Sea: Current water levels at a glance!

Danger of flooding on the Baltic Sea: Current water levels at a glance!

On August 12, 2025, the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region will be particularly dedicated to water. Flood and water levels on the Baltic Sea and the Elbe are worrying observers, but both warnings and preventative measures are already in full swing. The current situation shows both the challenges and the preparations that the responsible institutions have made.

According to the current values ​​for the Baltic Sea, the measuring stations in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald have registered alarming water levels. In the port of Warnemünde, a mean water level of 507 cm is recorded, with a mean low water level (MNW) of 407 cm and a mean high water level (MHW) of 617 cm. Historically, the highest flood level at 770 cm was observed on November 13, 1872, while the lowest at 332 cm was recorded on October 18, 1967. Given such values, these data are an important basis for the warnings issued by the responsible institutions such as the federal, state, district, police and fire brigade in order to inform citizens in a timely manner about potential dangers such as Baltic Sea newspaper reported.

Current flood situation on the Elbe

Parallel to the situation on the Baltic Sea, the flood situation on the Elbe in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district currently remains relaxed, according to information from NDR. In Dömitz the water level is 5.45 meters, which is still classified as alert level 1. In Boizenburg the water level is also rising to 5.20 meters, but experts reassure that the dikes are in good condition and the crisis teams can take action at an early stage. While water levels are rising, officials admit that an increase to alert level 2 is not expected, even if rainfall may continue for the time being in the coming weeks.

These tense circumstances naturally also provoke a preventative reaction. Flood developments are being monitored around the clock and the country has already provided 330,000 sandbags and a mobile flood protection system. These measures are not just for the Elbe, but could also have an impact on lower-lying areas, as Environment Minister Till Backhaus has confirmed.

Climate change as a challenge

But the causes of the ongoing flood risk are different and are not least due to global changes. Loud Statista Flood events are the most common natural disasters worldwide, which requires increased attention. A warmer atmosphere can store more water, which not only increases precipitation but also results in more frequent heavy rain events. The destruction of natural floodplains and the increasing sealing of soils further exacerbate this problem.

In total, an estimated 400,000 people in Germany are at risk of flooding in the coming years. This requires clear political guidelines and a consistent expansion of flood protection. Questions about long-term security and adaptation to climate change are particularly important in vulnerable zones.

Overall, the situation surrounding the flood risk in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania remains tense, but thanks to intensive preparations and targeted warning measures, the region's residents are well informed and prepared. The next step will be to closely monitor developments and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of people and infrastructure.