Medals of Honor for Alfdorf helpers: Heavy rain leaves its mark!

Medals of Honor for Alfdorf helpers: Heavy rain leaves its mark!

On September 18, 2025, numerous medals of honor from the state were awarded to the volunteers of the volunteer fire department and the German Red Cross (DRK) in Alfdorf. These awards recognize the special services of the emergency services during the devastating flood disaster in June 2024, which was caused in the Rems-Murr district by persistent, heavy rainfall. The volunteers were quickly on the scene after the alarm and carried out a significant effort over several days, which required considerable effort to deal with the situation. ZVW reports that ...

The thoughts of those responsible go not only to those affected by this flood situation, but also to the helpers who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the population. Flood events like these impressively highlight the importance of robust civil protection in Germany. DRK points out that...

Need for investments in civil protection

Despite the great commitment of those helping, it is clear that Germany urgently needs to invest in the future of civil protection in the next few years. A “turning point” is called for, particularly with regard to the sustainable financing of these measures. Bavaria is cited as a pioneer in dealing with the current flood situation. Comprehensive, effective preparation is essential, especially since many regions in Germany are particularly at risk of flooding.

A current study by the Independent Institute for Environmental Issues (Ufu) shows that almost 400,000 people in Germany are potentially affected by floods. For example, around 384,000 people will most likely have to deal with flood events in the coming years. Of these, around 190,800 people live along the Rhine and its tributaries, while around 98,800 people on the Elbe are considered to be at risk. Tagesschau addresses the fact that...

Growing dangers and necessary measures

The Ufu researchers' calculations are based on the federal states' flood risk management plans and make it clear that the numbers could increase depending on future climatic changes. Previous flood events, such as the floods on the Oder, suggest that the current estimated figures may represent a lower limit.

In order to minimize further damage, the researchers are calling for expanded precautions against heavy rain events, including modern monitoring systems and precise forecast models. Hesse is cited as a positive example because user-friendly hazard maps and a municipal monitoring system have been successfully implemented there.

The findings from this study are alarming. Julia Verlinden from the Greens is calling for comprehensive adaptations in flood protection to climate changes. In some cases, legal measures are necessary to expand insurance coverage against natural hazards. There is currently no consensus between the federal government and the states on the introduction of compulsory insurance against such damage, although the latter are increasingly pushing for a comprehensive regulation. DRK emphasizes that ...

The floods that hit the Ahr and Erft in 2021 caused damage of over 40 billion euros, which once again makes it clear that the burden of flood protection cannot be borne by the state alone. A compromise that requires insurers to offer appropriate policies to homeowners could be a step in the right direction, although there is currently no requirement to purchase such insurance.