Red alert for Lower Saxony: flood risk is increasing alarmingly!

Red alert for Lower Saxony: flood risk is increasing alarmingly!

Concern about flooding in Lower Saxony is growing. As the German Environmental Aid (DUH) Currently reported, Lower Saxony is one of the federal states with the highest flood risk in Germany. Around 2.96 percent of the country's area is considered risk areas, which affects almost 24,000 residential addresses. With the increase in extreme weather due to climate change, floods of the century, which statistically occur once every 100 years, are expected to become increasingly common.

Lower Saxony already experienced severe flooding at the beginning of 2022. In a comprehensive analysis, the DUH evaluated flood prevention and monitoring from 2014 to 2024 and found that not only Lower Saxony, but also Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia are considered high-risk areas. Bavaria is particularly affected, with over 65,000 residential addresses affected and 4.25 percent of the area at risk in the event of a once-in-a-century flood. North Rhine-Westphalia has classified 6.8 percent of the area as potentially risky, but significantly fewer affected residential addresses - a discrepancy that worries many people.

Growing threats from the climate crisis

Climate change is the main reason for the increase in flood events. According to the Science Rainfall has been increasing in intensity and frequency worldwide since the 1950s. The air becomes warmer and can therefore hold more water vapor, which leads to more frequent and heavier precipitation. This is further exacerbated by the constantly rising sea levels and the associated storm surges. Studies show that heavy rainfall, such as that observed in Germany and internationally in recent years, is often associated with the consequences of climate change.

The DUH therefore calls for increased support from municipalities and states in order to better prepare for such extreme weather events. Not only financial resources, but also improved coordination and comprehensive data collection are highly relevant. Nature should be seen as part of the solution by reducing floodplains and restoring natural protective areas such as floodplains and moors. Bremen, which is praised for its “BREsilient” research project, provides a positive example. A storm surge and heavy rain partnership was successfully concluded here with various actors, which could serve as a model for other regions.

Flood protection in the future

The situation in Lower Saxony makes it clear that the need for action is greater than ever. The increasing risk of flooding requires a comprehensive strategy. The DUH emphasizes that many federal states still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to flood prevention. Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke is working on a law that will speed up the construction of dams and dikes. However, in the wake of the upcoming new election, there are uncertainties as to whether this important legislative proposal can actually be implemented.

In summary: The challenge for Lower Saxony and other affected federal states is enormous. A joint approach is needed to offer people in flood areas a safe place to live and to prevent future disasters. Urgent measures must be taken now to protect the population and prepare the infrastructure for the coming years.