Storm Slams Berlin, Shuts Down Tegeler Forest for Weeks: A Daunting Cleanup Ahead
Berlin expresses concerns over substantial forest destruction following a storm
Once again bitter, mother nature has struck Berlin. This time, a furious storm rolled through, disrupting the city's S-Bahn transit and causing widespread destruction in the Tegeler Forest in the northwest. This forest haven will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future as crews work tirelessly to mitigate the hazards left in its wake.
The havoc wreaked by the storm left thousands of trees toppled or uprooted, creating a dangerous environment for both people and the remaining forest structures. Dangerous fallen branches and precarious, fallen trees block access routes and forest paths, making a complete assessment of the damage complicated at this stage [1].
In response, cleanup and safety work began immediately following the storm but, given the extensive damage and continued risks, it's expected to take weeks to complete. Firefighters have been actively engaged in the northwest of the city, particularly around Tegeler Forest, attending to various emergencies such as overturned boats and clearing colossal branches from roads [1].
Sadly, deciduous trees suffered the brunt of the storm owing to their full foliage, providing a large target area. This, coupled with the vitality losses in all tree species resulting from the preceding drought years, decreases their stability during storm events, adding to our worries [1].
Across Germany, the repercussions of this devastating storm were far-reaching. Eastern regions were not spared, with Thuringia recording numerous deployments for firefighters and countless emergency calls related to severe weather in the Altmark, Saxony-Anhalt. In addition, fallen trees clogged roads, and branches wreaked havoc on power lines in Lusatia, causing significant disturbances in Cottbus and adjoining districts of Dahme-Spreewald and Elbe-Elster [1].
Fortunately, by late evening, the German Weather Service rescinded the last warnings for severe thunderstorms, ensuring we're safe from further such onslaughts for today, Friday [1].
Source
German Weather Service, ntv.de, mau/AFP/dpa [1]
Scientists are concerned about the impact of this international weather event on the environmental-science and stability of trees, as the storm has caused widespread devastation, toppling and uprooting thousands of trees in Berlin's Tegeler Forest. The cleanup process is expected to take several weeks, with environmental-scientists monitoring the effects on the forest's ecosystem and overall health.
