Lappersdorf gets involved: New flash flood risk management for safety!

Lappersdorf gets involved: New flash flood risk management for safety!

The Lappersdorf market is actively dealing with the challenges of flash floods. In collaboration with the Regensburg Water Management Office, a comprehensive Flash flood risk management implemented. The aim of this initiative is to determine the individual risk situation for each building in the market area and to develop preventive measures based on this.

The results of the initial analyzes will be presented at citizens' meetings next year, with hazard assessment maps being made publicly available. The progress of the work is assessed as positive and at the same time the population is asked for support. Photos of previous flood events, which can be used to verify previous calculations, are particularly valued. Interested citizens can send such photos by email to bauamt@lappersdorf.de, which should also include the location and time of the event. For further information, the building authority can be reached on (09 41) 8 30 00-40.

Risk management at the municipal level

The need for effective flash flood risk management is not only felt locally in Lappersdorf, but is also supported by numerous measures and concepts throughout Bavaria. Like that State Office for the Environment reports, combating flash floods requires a package of strategies. Cities and municipalities are key players in municipal risk management, which is designed to be dialogue-oriented in order to enable forward-looking and goal-oriented precautions.

Since complete protection against flooding cannot be guaranteed, the focus of measures is on mitigating adverse consequences. Municipalities have already been commissioned to establish risk management structures in accordance with the requirements of the European Flood Risk Management Directive. In order to improve the options for action, there is a “Guideline for establishing integral concepts for municipal flash flood risk management”, which offers a uniform approach to risk determination.

Current challenges in Landshut

Also relevant is the situation in the city of Landshut, which is particularly at risk from stormwater and heavy rain events. As a concept study on municipal flash flood risk management shows, steep slopes and valley cuts in the southeastern urban area are particularly susceptible to flooding. In June 2021, an extreme rainfall event led to massive flooding, highlighting the urgency of protective measures.

Based on these events, the city has developed a concrete strategy of measures that includes areas such as water retention, water runoff management and citizen information. In addition, raising public awareness is seen as crucial for the implementation of the strategies. The civil engineering department is available to answer any questions about protective measures, and anyone interested can contact the city administration at rutschflutinfo@landshut.de. Further information can be found on the city’s homepage and in the citizens’ brochure “Heavy Rain Guide”.

Overall, it is clear that continuous dialogue is necessary both in Lappersdorf and in Landshut and beyond in order to overcome the challenges posed by flash floods and sustainably increase the safety of citizens.