There were evacuations and power outages in Poland and the Czech Republic. Several people were killed in Romania.
Heavy rain in Lower Austria: Two men in the flooded area of St. Pölten-Pottenbrunn Photo: Helmut Forringer/APA/dpa
Berlin Taz | In view of the severe weather currently sweeping across Europe, the Federal Technical Relief Office (THW) is preparing for possible flooding in eastern Germany. “We are prepared for the possibility of moving larger forces to the Elbe and Oder rivers,” THW department head Fritz-Helge Voss told ZDF “Morgenmagazin” on Monday. Voss advised people in the affected areas to stock up on “small amounts of emergency supplies.”
Storm “Annet”, known internationally as “Boris”, has brought heavy rain and flooding to Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and Romania. At least eight people have died so far. In Germany, the situation is still relatively mild. However, heavy rain is expected to cause water levels to rise again.
The climate crisis is causing more heavy rainfall. Warmer air can hold more moisture, and at some point it will have to come back down.
Voss said Germany was still waiting for the corresponding extreme weather conditions and had been lucky so far. The Elbe, Neisse and Oder rivers are expected to flood for a week. Over the weekend, THW had already deployed some 140 emergency services in Bavaria and Saxony, including the collapsed Carola Bridge in Dresden.
Don’t go into the basement when there is a flood.
Voss explained that THW local branches are preparing for possible deployment and are checking equipment accordingly. Voss advised people in flood zones to stay informed. He also advised people to stock up on “small energy supplies” and be cautious in light of the possibility of power outages.
“I would advise people to stay away from the water,” Voss emphasized. People should not go into basements during flooding situations because they may not be able to get out. “Keep your distance. The water is dangerous.”
The THW department head noted that this is the fourth-largest flood situation in Germany this year. Preparation and investment in equipment are “necessary.” “Ultimately, this is the cost of climate adaptation,” Voss explained.
