Water Barriers for Safety: A Safeguard Against Rising Waters
In the heart of Germany, the city of Detmold faced a significant challenge on June 14th, as two strong rain showers equalling a hundred-year rain event inundated the Klüt district. However, the flood protection measures, designed by engineer Andreas Hoffmann, stood the test of time and extreme conditions.
The rainfall, which measured between 50 and 60 millimeters in just 15 minutes, was double the rainfall of a comparable 100-year heavy rain event. This unprecedented downpour marked the first real-world test for the flood protection measures in the Klüt district.
The ditch-dam systems above Mittelstraße held back the rainwater, while water guidance measures on the upper Mittelstraße at the height of Rudolf-Harbig-Weg diverted mud and water from the fields away from the street. The emergency waterway at Mittelstraße 59 also demonstrated its effectiveness, successfully diverting water and causing no damage.
These measures, planned and carried out by the Detmold Water and Soil Association (Wasserverband Detmold), have proven to be a vital asset in preventing renewed damage. The flood protection measures successfully prevented flooding for the third time since their implementation, following incidents in 2023 and 2024.
The test on June 14th was not just a success for the Klüt district but also a reminder of the ongoing effects of climate change. The third statistically once-in-a-century heavy rain event within three years highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
While the flood protection measures worked as intended, there were some incidents in the north of the city on June 14th. The fire brigade had to deal with some issues due to high groundwater pressure or non-functioning backwater flap valves in houses.
Looking ahead, the city of Detmold is planning further expansion of protective measures in Klüt. This includes the emergency overflow channel on the Dürenstraße, a ditch-dam system with a retention basin on the Poststraße towards Ernst-Hilker-Ring/Jowat, and waterproofing the cycle path towards "Son Vida".
As the city continues to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, the successful testing of the flood protection measures in the Klüt district serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the effectiveness of well-planned and executed protective measures.
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