Red alarm level: counties urgently demand flood protection measures!

Red alarm level: counties urgently demand flood protection measures!

Stelle, Landkreis Harburg, Deutschland - alarm level red in the Harburg district! The dike associations and district councils make an unequivocal alarm: flood protection must now be a priority! After the terrifying floods of the past few years, which many people and animals put in danger, it becomes clear that the existing protective dikes no longer meet the requirements. "The dike construction measures are long overdue," emphasize the district councilors Rainer Rempe and Jens Böther. The seriousness of the Situation does not seem to be sufficiently aware of the state of Lower Saxony!

The recent dike shows have revealed alarming defects. The protection dikes are in a worrying state and can no longer withstand the challenges of climate change. Heavy rain and flood events increase and the dikes urgently need to be upgraded. "We must not trust that the dikes are sufficient in an emergency," warns District Administrator Böther. The demands are clear: the country must finally act and provide the necessary funds!

urgent need for action!

The situation on the back protecting is particularly critical. Many dikes are not sufficiently compressed and important flood protection devices are missing. The Lower Saxony State of Water Management has already found that the Elbe dike must be increased by up to 1.30 meters. But there has been hardly any progress for 14 years! The investment backlog in the Harburg and Lüneburg counties amounts to around 200 million euros, while the country has only provided 100 million euros for the years 2023 to 2027. The dyke associations therefore call for drastic increases in personnel resources and an acceleration of the approval procedures.

Time is pushing! The district councilors and dike associations are calling for a liability for dike associations and a sustainable provision of funds in order to implement all necessary measures as quickly as possible. The flood protection must no longer fall by the wayside - the security of the citizens is at stake!