Wörth is preparing: information event on flash floods on November 18th!

Wörth is preparing: information event on flash floods on November 18th!

An information event on flash flood risk management will take place in Wörth an der Donau on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m. The event location is the Gasthof Butz. The concept of this event was supported by the Regensburg Water Management Office and developed by the Spekter office from Herzogenaurach. The aim of the information event is to prepare citizens for the consequences of extreme heavy rain events and to recognize potential dangers from flash floods.

The event provides a platform to develop strategies to reduce damage to infrastructure, buildings and property. In particular, it is about determining water flows in bodies of water and pipework and, if necessary, holding them back. Participants will be able to learn about the impact of flood and heavy rain events on their own properties. Scenarios for floods and the behavior of water volumes during heavy rain events and flash floods in urban areas are also presented.

Flood risk management as a central aspect

Flood risk management plays a crucial role in preventing damage from flood events. According to the Federal Environment Agency, complete protection against flooding is not possible for technical and economic reasons, which is why comprehensive management is necessary. This management includes precautionary measures such as area planning and adapted construction as well as preparation for floods through forecasts and warning systems.

The flood events, particularly the severe floods in Germany in July 2021, illustrate the urgency of improving precautionary concepts. A 10-point plan “Flood protection in times of climate change” in North Rhine-Westphalia addresses all levels of flood risk management. The EU Flood Risk Management Directive and the Water Resources Act (WHG) regulate the uniform application of flood risk management, although the federal states have leeway for their own regulations.

Categorization of flood events

Flood events can be divided into three categories: frequent events that occur every 10 to 25 years, moderate events that occur at least once in 100 years, and rare or more extreme events that occur once in 200 years or less. Extreme events are characterized by high flow rates and water levels and entail significant potential for damage to buildings, industrial facilities and transport infrastructure.

An important element of flood risk management is the creation of flood hazard and risk maps. These maps show potential flood areas and the associated risks. In addition, the preparation of flood risk management plans is necessary to reduce adverse consequences of floods and coordinate risk reduction measures.

In this context, the information event on November 18th in Wörth an der Donau will be a helpful contribution to raising public awareness of the risks and possible measures. Interested citizens are cordially invited to find out more about these important topics and to actively participate in the discussion.