Storm flood season in Lower Saxony: Islands fight with construction site delays!

Storm flood season in Lower Saxony: Islands fight with construction site delays!

The North Sea coast of Lower Saxony is increasingly in focus because the storm flood season is due and preparations for coastal protection are in full swing. Attention is particularly directed towards the East Frisian Islands of Langeoog and Wangerooge, where the measures for dune protection occur. These construction work is necessary to arm the islands against the expected storm surges.

Preparation for the storm flood season, which usually lasts from October to March, is progressing, but the work on the islands mentioned have been delayed by unfavorable weather conditions. This was confirmed by the Lower Saxony State Operation for Water Management, coastal and nature conservation. Protecting the coasts is an essential task in times when storm surges can cause considerable damage.

Current construction projects and their challenges

On Langeoog, new sand is currently being heaped up to restore worn coastal protection. This protective dune is crucial for the defense against storm floods and at the same time ensures the drinking water extraction area of ​​the island. Around 450,000 cubic meters of sand are planned, but so far only around 300,000 cubic meters have been washed up. Completion could shift due to the weather until next year.

Wangerooge is also affected by the weather. Works run here on the north-east dunes, which are supposed to protect the eastern part of the island village. There were also delays here, but progress on the mainland improves the general situation. In areas such as the Krummhörn and Harlesiel, deer increases and reinforcements have already borne fruits.

financing and resources for coastal protection

The Lower Saxony government has also announced significant investments in coastal protection this season - a total of around 80 million euros this year, which will be provided together with the federal government. These investments are of great importance for the long -term protection of coastal regions, since they ultimately help minimize damage caused by storm surges.

Environment Minister Christian Meyer emphasizes that the sum of 80 million euros is a record amount that is to be used for both maintenance and for the expansion of coastal protection. While the precise distribution of expenses is still unclear, it is already evident that the cooperation between the federal and state governments is essential for coastal protection.