Flooding Prevention Measures: Strategies to Control the Destructive Forces of the Elements
In the heart of Germany, the city of Klüt faced an unexpected challenge on June 14th. Two strong rain showers, measuring between 50 and 60 millimeters in just 15 minutes, hit the city - double the amount of a comparable 100-year heavy rain event. However, contrary to initial concerns, the incidents in the north of Klüt did not result in any renewed flooding in the city or have a negative impact on downstream areas like Jerxen-Orbke.
Mayor Frank Hilker expressed his satisfaction, believing that the measures implemented in Klüt are fully effective and provide necessary security to the citizens. Engineer Andreas Hoffmann, who designed and implemented the flood protection measures, concurred, stating that the combination of all measures prevented flooding and had a positive effect on the downstream areas.
The ditch-dam systems above Mittelstraße and the water guidance measures on the upper Mittelstraße played a crucial role in holding back the rainwater and diverting mud and water from the fields away from the street. At Mittelstraße 59, the water took the intended emergency waterway, causing no damage.
The incidents on June 14th in the north of Klüt were not directly related to the flood protection measures in place, nor were they a consequence of the ditch-dam systems or water guidance measures. Instead, high-pressure groundwater and non-functioning backflow preventers were the causes of the incidents reported by the fire brigade in Klüt on that day.
The fire brigade in Klüt had to handle issues related to water management, rather than flooding, on June 14th. This underscores the effectiveness of the flood protection measures in Klüt, which successfully prevented renewed flooding on that day.
Looking ahead, Klüt has future plans to further enhance its flood protection. These include the construction of a further ditch-dam system with a retention basin on the Poststraße towards Ernst-Hilker-Ring/Jowat, and securing the cycle path towards "Son Vida" against flooding in 2026.
Climate change is evident, as the third statistically once-in-a-century heavy rain event has occurred within three years. The city of Detmold, however, is significantly better prepared for the consequences of climate change, with the addition of retention areas along the Werre and the sponge city concept implemented on the Schloßplatz.
In the face of these challenges, Klüt and Detmold serve as examples of cities adapting and preparing for the impacts of climate change, ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.
