20 years after the tsunami: memories and grief in the Ahr Valley

Anke Barteit from the Ahrtal survived both the devastating tsunami from 2004 in Thailand and the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in 2021. The tsunami, which was triggered by a strong seaquake in the Indian Ocean, led to huge tidal waves, which flooded numerous coastal regions in Asia and Africa, including Phuket. Anke and her partner Heinz sought protection on an upper floor of her beach hotel during the tsunamis. Thanks to their decision, they were able to escape the catastrophe and send the first messages home according to the tragedy.

After returning to Germany, Anke Barteit and her partner donated money for the victims of the tsunamis and traveled to Phuket again a few months later to help on site. In 2021, the Ahr Valley was haunted by a flood disaster in which her apartment was flooded. She was able to save herself on the first floor, but does not remember how she got there. Anke ignites in the Lourdes chapel at Bachem candles to commemorate the victim of the tsunamis, especially on the second Christmas day, when they commemorated the one who did not survive the tsunami, including their partner Heinz, who has recently passed away.

Follow the flood disaster in the Ahrtal

The flood disaster in 2021 was part of a larger pattern of extreme weather in Western Europe, which led to the worst floods for decades during the summer. It is estimated that there were 180 fatalities in Germany this year, 700 injuries and 73 people who are missing. In the Ahrtal region, known for their wine cultivation and hiking tourism, up to 90 liters of rain per square meter daily during the floods. The economic damage solely by insured damage is estimated to be between 4.5 and 5.5 billion euros.

The floods in the Ahr Valley and in other affected countries such as Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands are considered events that occur once every 500 years or less often. Studies show a connection between human -made climate change and the increase in floods. The probability of such extreme events has increased by a factor of 1.2 to 9 compared to the pre -industrial climate. The long-term consequences of the flood disaster have led to considerable displacement of the Ahrtal residents, many live in emergency accommodation, with around 150 people having no access to gas and heating.

The population expresses disappointment about the government's reactions to the catastrophe, in particular with regard to warnings and the organization after the crisis. Politicians have promised to take measures against climate change, while the question remains whether the latest events in Western Europe will lead to a rethink in climate policy.

For more information about Anke BareTeit and her memories of the disaster, see swr . Details of the floods in the Ahr Valley and its consequences can be found at Earth Refuge .