Due to heavy rainfall in Germany’s eastern neighbouring countries, Brandenburg is preparing for possible flooding.
“We are preparing for a critical situation across the country. This includes informing and preparing emergency services and securing weak points on the affected river sections,” said Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) in Guben. The State Office for the Environment issued a first flood warning for the Lusatian Neisse, Oder and Elbe on Thursday.
The currently forecast precipitation levels in the Czech Republic and Poland are comparable to those before the floods in the summer of 2010 on the Oder and could lead to correspondingly high water levels, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Environment.
At that time, after days of rain and heavy thunderstorms in May and early June 2010, large parts of eastern Central Europe were affected by flooding.
Heavy rainfall causes rivers to rise
According to the state office, the reason for the impending flooding is heavy rainfall in the eastern Alps, the Czech Republic and Poland. There has already been heavy rain in the Elbe catchment area in the Czech Republic. Further heavy rainfall is forecast for the next two days.
This situation poses a potential risk of flooding for Brandenburg. “If the high levels of rainfall predicted continue, a flood wave is likely to form on Sunday to Monday on the Lusatian Neisse and from the middle of next week on the Oder and Elbe,” said a spokeswoman for the Ministry of the Environment.
Flood wave expected next week
According to current knowledge, the guideline values for alarm level 1 could be reached at the gauges along the Oder in Brandenburg in the middle of next week. Alarm level 3 is also to be expected and “reaching the guideline values for alarm level 4 cannot be ruled out,” said the LfU. 4 is the highest level. According to the authority, statements about the maximum levels are subject to considerable uncertainty.
Environment Minister Axel Vogel (Greens) offered some hope: “In contrast to 2010, the situation today is more favourable due to a pronounced low water phase and dry soils.” The rivers could absorb some of the precipitation, he said.
In addition, effective flood protection measures have been implemented since 2010. “Since 1997, 360 million euros have been invested in flood protection on the Oder.” (dpa)
