Flood protection in danger: dikes urgently need to be renewed!

Flood protection in danger: dikes urgently need to be renewed!

In a dramatic turn, the situation on the rivers in Lower Saxony has worsened! The once peacefully rippling waters threaten to become rurring streams that put people and animals in danger. The districts of Harburg and Lüneburg, which were spared from devastating floods last year, are now alarm. On the occasion of the autumn shows of the Artlenburg Deich Association and the Harburg Deichverband, it becomes clear that the flood protection must urgently be improved!

The district councilors Rainer Rempe and Jens Böther are emphasized that the state of Lower Saxony finally takes the necessary measures. "Environment Minister Christian Meyer must set the necessary personnel and financial priorities for flood protection," they emphasize. The dike construction measures are overdue and the current protective dike can no longer withstand the challenges of climate change. "We have acute deficits in the area of flood protection," warn the heads of administration. The recent dike shows have shown that the dikes no longer meet today's standards and urgently need to be upgraded.

urgent need for action!

The analysis of the Lower Saxony State Business of Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) from 2020 has clearly shown the alarming situation: the Elbe dike must be increased by up to 1.30 meters! The main dike from the state border of Hamburg to the district of Lüneburg is to be increased to 9.50 meters. The situation in the rear protective dikes on the Elbe-side flows, which have often not been maintained for 19 years, is particularly critical.

Although the country has provided 100 million euros for flood protection for the years 2023 to 2027, this is far from sufficient. The investment backlog in the Harburg and Lüneburg counties amounts to around 200 million euros! The counties and dike associations therefore call for massive increase in personnel resources and an acceleration of the approval procedures. Time is pushing and the security of the citizens is at stake!