Measures To Prevent Flooding : Germany

As a result of the extraordinary flooding that occurred along the Rhine and the Mosel in 1993/1994 and in January 1995 - and most recently along the Oder in July 1997 - flood prevention measures have commanded greater public attention than ever before. An environmentally sound flood prevention policy focuses especially on limitation of the sealing of soil, improvement of local capabilities for retention and absorption of precipitation, greatest possible renaturation of rivercourses, as well as safeguarding and enlargement of flood plains. The Federal Water Act as amended on 19 November 1996 mandates the creation of flood plains along rivercourses and authorizes the states to determine their location.

Wherever possible, former flood plains are to be reclaimed. Under no circumstances may enlargement of waterways increase the danger of flooding. The administrative authorities concerned as well as the bodies of the Lander Working Group on Water, the International Commission for the Protection of the River Rhine and the European Union are presently developing measures to help diminish the harmful effects of flooding. These include flood retention measures in catchment areas as well as recommendations for appropriate behavior on the part of those affected. In the case of transnational watercourses, all countries bordering them must act together. In the context of the International Commission for the Protection of the River Rhine, a flood action plan is being drafted which is to be completed before the end of 1997. After the catastrophic flooding along the Oder in July 1997, Germany strongly favors a similar joint action plan involving Poland, the Czech Republic and the EU.