Floods in Bavaria: Passau's fight against the high water Floods in Bavaria: Passau's fight against the high water
The city of Passau in Bavaria is once again being hit by severe flooding. After days of heavy rain, the rivers Danube, Inn, and Ilz have overflowed their banks, submerging the old town and many other areas under water. Local authorities and the population are working on a large scale to cope with the effects of the flood and prevent further damage.
Meteorological data shows that precipitation levels in recent days have been exceptionally high. "The amount of water that has come down in the last 72 hours is unprecedented," said Dr. Michaela Peters from the Bavarian Weather Station. The water level of the Danube in Passau has reached historic levels, last measured in 2013 during the last major flood.
Massive deployment of forces in the fight against the floods
Numerous rescue and aid teams from all over Bavaria are in action in Passau to support the population and protect vital infrastructure. The fire department, Technical Relief Agency (THW), and the army are working around the clock. Volunteers from the population are also helping to fill sandbags and set up barriers.
The Lord Mayor of Passau, Jürgen Dupper, expressly thanks all the helpers: "The solidarity and unity in our city are overwhelming. Everyone is pitching in to protect our Passau." The biggest challenge is to preserve the most important areas from flooding, including the city center, historic buildings, and hospitals.
Evacuations and emergency shelters
Many residents had to leave their homes. Particularly affected are the old town and lower-lying residential areas along the rivers. Emergency shelters have been set up in schools and sports halls, and local authorities are trying to help the affected individuals as much as possible. "It's heartbreaking to see people having to leave their homes and belongings," said a resident who was evacuated herself.
The police and rescue teams are working around the clock to ensure that all evacuees are safely accommodated and receive essential care.The city has also set up emergency hotlines to provide the affected population with important information.
Economic damages and long-term consequences
The effects of the flood on the local economy are already significant. Many shops and businesses had to close, and agricultural areas are flooded. Disaster management experts estimate that the damages will amount to millions. "We will need a long time to recover from this disaster," said a representative of the Passau Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Thanks to the rapid response of the emergency services, worse was prevented, but the coming weeks and months will pose a huge challenge for the residents and the economy of Passau. Environmental scientists also warn that the frequency of such extreme weather events could increase. "The climate crisis contributes to making such floods more likely to occur more frequently," said Professor Sabine Krüger from the University of Munich.
Political reactions and support
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his solidarity with the victims in a press conference and promised quick assistance. "We stand together and will do everything to support the people in Passau," said Scholz. Support statements and aid pledges also came from the Bavarian State Parliament. Prime Minister Markus Söder promised financial aid and emphasized the need to further expand flood protection measures in Bavaria.
Plans for targeted investments in flood protection have already been presented. These include not only traditional protective measures such as dams and dykes, but also innovative approaches such as mobile flood barriers and the renaturation of river floodplains. "Only through a combination of various measures can we effectively protect ourselves against future floods," said Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen.
The residents of Passau must now stay strong and united as they fight against the floods and begin the reconstruction of their city.The coming days will show whether the measures taken are sufficient to protect the city and keep the damage to a minimum.
Author: Anita Fake, Wednesday, 5 June 24
