Financial catastrophe in the Wieslauftal: 330 million euros due to flood!

Financial catastrophe in the Wieslauftal: 330 million euros due to flood!

In June 2024, a devastating flood in the Wieslauftal caused damage totaling 330 million euros in the Rems-Murr district. Almost two thirds of the damage affects private residential buildings, especially full cellars and torn away carports, such as Stuttgarter News reported. Infrastructure has also suffered, with damage to public facilities amounting to around 136 million euros. These include numerous slipped district roads and washed-out bridges, which significantly affect the mobility of affected residents.

The municipalities in the Wieslauftal are facing enormous financial challenges. These are further exacerbated by already empty coffers. A visit by political celebrities, including the Minister of Transport and the Minister of the Interior, testifies to the urgency of the situation. Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann also took a look at the damage on site. Together with those affected, numerous residents expressed their concerns about the slow provision of aid and the country's inadequate payment practices.

Financial aid and support

After several weeks of uncertainty, a special flood fund with a volume of 25 million euros was set up. Of this, 13.5 million euros flowed into the Rems-Murr district. However, the financial assistance provided was considered insufficient, especially given the enormous damage. In addition, further funding amounting to 2.3 million euros was granted from the equalization fund, almost 2 million euros from tourism funding and around 800,000 euros from the rural development program and sports facility funding.

However, some promised funds, such as the 9.4 million euros from the Municipal Transport Financing Act, are still outstanding. Initial cost estimates in Schorndorf have now been reduced from 35 million euros to 15 million euros, suggesting that the damage to roads and bridges was less than feared. Nevertheless, in Rudersberg an amount of between 4 and 5 million euros remains in costs for the municipality.

Practical information for those affected

There are several important tips for citizens affected by the flood on how to deal with the damage. Those affected are obliged to reduce damage, although it is important to document the damage before clean-up work. This includes photographs or videos, as well as creating a damage list. Proof of purchase should be attached, if available, otherwise the time of purchase and the approximate new price should be noted, as Rems-Murr-Kreis explains.

Contacting the insurance company is also crucial; ideally this should be done in writing. The claim to an advance payment must be asserted no later than one month after the damage was reported. Household contents and residential building insurance covers the repair costs and any reductions in value if the damaged areas cannot be completely restored to their original condition.

The consequences of the flood disaster are still being felt by many of those affected. While the damage settlement is a tough process, the hope for faster help and an improvement in the financial situation in the Rems-Murr district remains very important.