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Rescue in an emergency: Major exercise RainEx 2025 started in Elmshorn!
Emergency services in the Pinneberg district practice for floods in Elmshorn on September 20, 2025 in order to be better prepared for crises.
Rescue in an emergency: Major exercise RainEx 2025 started in Elmshorn!
Things will get serious in the Pinneberg district on Saturday morning: a large-scale exercise called “RainEx 2025” is on the agenda. In the city of Elmshorn and the surrounding areas, over 300 emergency services, including fire departments, the Technical Relief Agency (THW), the German Red Cross and the German Life Saving Society (DLRG), train in the event of an emergency. The aim of this exercise is to optimally prepare the emergency services for possible flood situations, such as NDR reported.
The exercise will, among other things, simulate rescuing people from vehicles and buildings, practice technical measures for flood protection and secure critical infrastructure such as energy and wastewater pipes. Not only Elmshorn is affected, but also the cities of Barmstedt, Holm and Raa-Besenbek. Restrictions in road traffic cannot be ruled out during the exercise period, and there may be closures in the affected areas, as described in an article by SHZ is reported.
Background of the exercise
The reason for the intensive preparation is the concern about increased flooding due to climate change, which also affects the Pinneberg district. Massive rainfall in recent years has shown that the risk of flooding is increasing. Experts warn of more frequent extreme weather events caused by global warming. A report from Deutschlandfunks notes that such weather extremes are increasing worldwide, especially in Germany, where the average temperature has been rising since 1881 and 2023 will go down in history as the warmest year.
The exercise is more than just a workout; it is an important step towards improving cooperation between the various rescue organizations and developing emergency strategies. Offers such as setting up emergency shelters and emergency information points as well as testing communication systems with loudspeaker announcements and sirens are also on the agenda.
Climate change as a challenge
Scientists and experts agree: climate change not only increases the likelihood of heavy rain, but also the risk of coastal flooding and its devastating consequences. Therefore, flood protection is of utmost importance. Experts are calling for new measures to renaturate rivers and build dams in order to be better prepared for the future. The growing pressure on the infrastructure due to heavy rain and the need for quick measures is underlined by Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, who has drawn up a new law to accelerate this necessary flood protection.
Only through regular exercises and sound preparation can the emergency services ensure safety in the Pinneberg district. Because in an emergency, every minute counts, and a good hand in training will have an impact on the willingness and effectiveness of the helpers.