Table of Contents
What caused flooding in Germany and Belgium?
Main findings. The severe flooding was caused by very heavy rainfall over a period of 1-2 days, wet conditions already before the event and local hydrological factors. The observed rainfall amounts in the Ahr/Erft and the Belgian part of the Meuse catchment broke historically observed rainfall records by large margins.
Why is the flooding so bad in Germany?
Many factors contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely. The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.
Is flooding common in Germany?
Overall, it can be summarized that the flood hazard in Germany increased during the last five decades, particularly due to an increased flood frequency. Changes in the flood behavior in northeast Germany are small. Most changes were detected for sites in the west, south and centre of Germany.
What measures can be taken to reduce the impact of flood and landslides?
Some of the common techniques used for flood control are the installation of rock beams, rock rip-raps, sand bags, maintenance of normal slopes with vegetation or application of soil cements on steeper slopes and construction or expansion of drainage. Other methods include dykes, dams, retention basins or detention.
What caused flooding in Belgium?
Thunderstorms brought heavy rainfall that triggered localized flooding on 24 July 2021. Officials said municipalities in the province of Namur were affected, in particular the cities of Dinant and Namur.
How did the floods in Germany start?
Germany floods: What caused it? The catastrophic flooding in West Germany was caused by a severe storm and continuous rains that caused rivers and streams to swell up and flood the towns and cities located alongside the banks of the river Ahr in Germany.
Where was the flooding in Germany and Belgium?
Where is the flooding in Germany, Belgium? Cities along the Rhine River were among those hit hardest, with the German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia accounting for most of the death toll. The Belgium city of Liege was also hit hard, with numerous people drowning.
How did the floods start in Germany?
Where are the floods in Belgium?
Belgium has been hit by floods for the second time in just over a week. The provinces of Namur and Walloon Brabant southeast of the capital city Brussels were among the worst hit, after thunderstorms and heavy rain reached the country on Saturday.
How does climate change cause flooding?
Many factors contribute to flooding, but climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture and so these storms become more intense. But she said warming means “these heavy short-duration bursts from thunderstorms which cause flash flooding are becoming more common”.
How can flash floods be prevented?
5 Flash Floods Preventive Measures
- Introduce a better flood warning device so it can give people more time to prepare and take action during flash floods.
- Construct a building that is one meter or more from the ground to prevent flood damage.
- Restore rivers and clean drainage to prevents floods.