Heavy Rain

Key Points from the Talk

• Some residents already have problems with water entering their basements — this usually happens through ground pressure and is unrelated to rain events.
• The lake between Neuburgweiher and Mörsch used to only appear around Advent. Local residents describe how alarming it is that the water now stays for so long.

Prevention

Heavy rain events themselves cannot be prevented — only their downstream effects can be reduced.

The greatest damage occurs when water enters buildings. There are several structural measures that can prevent water ingress: https://starkgegenstarkregen.de/schutzprojekte-und-vorbeugemassnahmen/

Good article from NRW on heavy rain risk analyses: https://starkgegenstarkregen.de/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/15-10135_So-Druck_KW-2-2015_klein.pdf

You can actually get a “Flood Pass”:
https://www.hochwasser-pass.info/

There’s also a “Quick Check” to assess typical risks: https://quickcheck.hochwasser-pass.info/

Importantly, any protective measures must be regularly checked for functionality — otherwise insurance may not pay out in the event of damage. Example: a backflow valve to the sewer that can no longer move or is no longer sealed.

Shortly before / during the event

Use warning apps. Currently they tend to warn too frequently — but don’t think “nothing will come of it again.”

Check outside regularly during rain and assess the situation.

• If threatened by water, you must “evacuate vertically” (move upstairs in the building)
• Even 10 cm of water depth is enough reason to avoid driving
  Driving in such conditions: https://www.rnd.de/mobilitaet/ueberschwemmung-kann-man-mit-dem-auto-durch-ueberflutete-strassen-fahren-4RCNCDRGAW2WMPL7YLFCBYKLU4.html
• Only call emergency services if absolutely necessary — they will typically be overwhelmed during such events

After the event

Document damage with videos and photos for your insurance. Start cleaning up and drying out as quickly as possible.