Flood risk! Rhine and Moselle reach critical levels

Flood risk! Rhine and Moselle reach critical levels

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, there was a worrying increase in the water level of the Rhine in Koblenz. As the Rhein-Zeitung exceeds the level in the afternoon of five meters. This situation means that the Rhine occurs partly over the banks, which can be observed particularly clearly in the Kaiserin Augusta systems.

parallel to Koblenz, the water levels also rise at the Moselle in Cochem and in Andernach. The forecasts for the AHR are particularly alarming, where experts from the biggest floods have come from since the devastating flood disaster in July 2021. At several measuring points, the water level has already exceeded the threshold of a two -year flood. The SWR warned that the Ahr near Altenahr could also be achieved potentially critical values ​​of over 5 meters, whereby no acute risk could the population is assessed.

effects on traffic

The rising water levels already lead to initial traffic disruptions. Streets were blocked, for example the K 134 between Lieser and Kesten as well as the B 53 between the Zeltinger Kreisel and the bridge. In addition, the passenger ferry "mermaid" between Remagen and Erpel was discontinued until further notice, while the car ferry between Linz and Remagen remains in operation.

The authorities use warning apps such as Katwarn and Nina to inform the population about the current flood situation. Flood protection gates in Koblenz and Neuwied have already been closed, and the fire brigade carries out regular control trips to monitor the situation. In other places in the country, such as in Mainz, there could also be restrictions on shipping, especially due to the rise of the Rhine, which has already exceeded the flood mark one at the Bingen level.

flood risk in the further environment

According to experts, the current weather situation is favored by a persistent rain and the snow melting. It is even expected to increase the level values ​​on the Moselle and the Middle Rhine. The registration height of different levels is also exceeded. At the Trier level, the value is already over 6 meters, while values ​​over 5 meters are also recorded in Cochem. Analyzes show that the water levels could continue to increase in the coming days, since experts expect up to 7 meters by Friday.

Overall, these developments are reminiscent of the severe flood disasters of recent years, especially the tragic events in the summer of 2021, which demanded many lives and caused considerable damage. The Statista Reminds that floods worldwide are the most common natural events that are usually the cause. Against this background, the situation remains tense, while the authorities remain vigilant and take measures to minimize damage.