Rudersberg after the flood: Families fight for their home!

Rudersberg after the flood: Families fight for their home!

One year after the devastating flood that hit the region on June 2, 2024, the Rudersberg community is facing major challenges. Dramatic scenes occurred in numerous households, including the Miskic family's over 100-year-old house on Zumhofer Strasse, which is considered a "dream house". Despite extensive renovations, this was the first time the house had been affected by flooding. The Miskics, who have lived there for 14 years, are still struggling with the consequences of the disaster, as are the affected neighbors, the Saur family and Sabine and Horst Sinnerhauf. The reconstruction in Rudersberg is far from complete and will probably take some time.

The dramatic flood events were triggered by a glacier collapse in Switzerland, which led to dammed water in the Lötschental. On the day in question, the water also flooded Werner Diggelmann's house; his wife had to save him from the floods. Tragically, two pensioners in a neighboring town drowned in their flooded basement. The damage caused by the flood amounts to over 120 million euros. Numerous shops and public facilities are affected, including schools, kindergartens and the municipality's sewage treatment plant. Werner Hinderer's butcher's shop, which had just been renovated, also suffered millions in damage, but was able to reopen its doors within six months. ZVW reports that Volksbank and Kreissparkasse in particular continue to work in container systems, with the savings bank planning to return to its renovated premises in July.

Long-term consequences and measures

The fear of further flood events remains present in the community. Around 90 percent of Rudersberg residents have natural hazard insurance, but often not for household goods. To increase the safety of residents, flood protection measures were taken after the disaster, website Time reports on a new dam that was opened shortly before the flood. However, these measures can only provide limited protection, as the community is only immune to floods, which occur on average every 100 years.

The municipality also spent more than 1.2 million euros on cleaning up garbage after the disaster to ensure the quality of life of citizens. The reconstruction and clean-up work has strengthened the sense of community in Rudersberg. A planned street festival in Klaffenbach is intended to symbolize the cohesion and courage of the community and contribute to the positive atmosphere.

Overall, it can be said that the community in Rudersberg, characterized by loss and hope, continues to work on restoring their lives and facing the challenges of the future.