Eifel in the flood risk: progress and frustrations!

Eifel in the flood risk: progress and frustrations!

In 2021, the Euskirchen region was shaken by devastating flood disasters that caused massive damage. Small streams in particular turned into raging rivers, which brought the importance of efficient flood protection to the fore. The municipalities Blankenheim, Dahlem, Hellenthal, Kall, Nettersheim, Schleiden and the district of Euskirchen have merged with the Wasserverband Eifel-Rur (WVer) to improve flood protection in the region. This cooperation led to a binding agreement for cooperation a year after the flood, which is intended to create urgently needed measures. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger is planned on the current year. However, the construction could take several years.

Local measures have already been implemented before the feasibility study. These include dams, arithmetic systems and flutta in Nettersheim. By summer 2023, 140 ideas for further flood protection measures were developed. These measures are extensively tested by computer simulations that take into account different scenarios and amounts of water. Measurements of the waters have been taking place as part of this project since February 2023. Not only are bathymal lies, but also classic surveying teams are used in order to obtain the best possible image of the water.

digital twins as flood protection technology

An innovative approach to improve flood forecast and prevention is the development of digital twins. This technology enables a digital model of a physical system to create environmental conditions such as water levels and river flows in real time. Such digital twins are not only key to damage minimization, but also for a better risk analysis. With the data obtained in this form, potential risk of flood areas can be identified. According to aconium they play an essential role in the development of emergency plans as well as in optimizing the use of emergency services.

The concept also provides for the analysis of long -term trends, such as climate change, to better understand the effects on flood risks. Since May 2024, Dresden has been working on an urban digital heavy rain twin, which integrates various spatial data. This type of technology could also help the district of Euskirchen to develop a sustainable flood protection concept by 2026. The resistance to extreme events is particularly important.

challenges and obstacles

Despite the progress, there is also frustration among citizens about the speed of the measures. Experts indicate the high administrative effort, complex approval procedures and an acute shortage of skilled workers, all of which have an impact on the implementation of the protective measures. So far, 81.05 kilometers of waters have been measured, although not all streams could be fully recorded. The risks listed include the Urft with 35.5 km and the Olef with 13.9 km.

The measurement of smaller waters, which are considered risk waters in their muzzle areas, is also part of the project. The aim is to achieve comprehensive knowledge of the hydrology of the region in order to develop better predictions and flood prevention measures. The digital representation and modeling of the landscape and water are the central part of the planned flood protection concept, which is to be further developed by 2026.