Salvaging the Scene in Damp: A €17.9M Overhaul after the 2023 Baltic Sea Storm Surge
18 million euros allocated for immediate relief following Baltic Sea storm-induced flooding - Eighteen million euros allocated for steam efforts following surging tides in the Baltic Sea
In the rough and tumble of October 2023, the Baltic Sea threw a heck of a storm, sending water surging over average levels by more than two meters at some spots. It left quite a mess - especially in Damp, a fancy yacht harbor nestled within Rendsburg-Eckernförde's circle. The community wasn't satisfied with just wiping the slate clean, though: they asked for 17.9 million euros from the state to give their harbor a complete makeover, as per the Ministry of Economics.
The disaster's aftermath still lingers, Mayor Barbara Feyock told the German Press Agency. "As of now, we have 110 emergency mooring spots," she said, lamenting that before the storm, there were 365. "A sad tally of 32 boats sank," Feyock continued, adding that they weren't just swallowed up by the sea, but some even ended up on the jetties.
Coming Back Stronger
The community threw their hat in the ring for state aid in October 2024. The funding decision grants them permission to sketch a brand-new blueprint for the harbor, featuring an extra mole on the south side for better resilience against future surges. All told, the overhaul carries a hefty pricetag of €23.9 million. The state will shoulder 75% of the cost over three years. But, there's no rushing things. The renovation will have to be tendered across Europe first, Feyock cautions. She's hopeful that the project wraps up by the end of 2027.
Shining Again
Economy and Tourism State Secretary Julia Carstens told the German Press Agency that the region will more than mere return to its touristic glory after this record investment but surpass it. The old North Mole will be rebuilt and shifted, she said, while a new mole will rise on the southern shore. "This transformation will make the area more appealing for tourists and more resilient to future surges," Carstens expounded.
Damp is one of those classic picture-perfect Baltic Sea resorts and spas, Carstens mused. "With the nearly €18 million, we empower the community to restore this ravishing image." Water sports, sandy getaways, cycling paths, and hiking trails along the coast are quintessential pastimes. "And we expect these spots to be back in top shape very soon, benefiting not only the legion of spa and rehabilitation patrons but the overall economy." Carstens reminded that the overnight stays in preventive and rehabilitation clinics have been on an upward trend for years.
Stormy Times Ahead for the Baltic Coast
The October 20th and 21st storm clobbered dikes, harbors, boats, campsites, and hotels, leaving a bill in the hundreds of millions down the shoreline. Flensburg reported a towering 2.27 meters above average at its gauge, washing away entire chunks of promenades and streets. Damage across the Baltic Sea coast was extensive, yet the beating was more severe in regions like Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, according to the Ministry of the Environment. Damages were estimated to total €56 million in that region.
- Water Level
- Baltic Sea
- News
- Reconstruction
- Circle of Rendsburg-Eckernförde
- German Press Agency
[1] Baltic Sea water levels reach record heights[2] Baltic Sea storm surge damages Damp, other coastal towns
- The excessive water levels reached in the Baltic Sea during the October 2023 storm were a reflection of the rising environmental issues related to climate-change, a concern rooted in the field of environmental-science.
- In a bid to strengthen the infrastructure of Damp, a focus will be on vocational training programs for the local workforce to ensure they possess the necessary skills for weather-forecasting and maintaining resilient structures against climate-change and weather anomalies.
- Once the reconstruction of Damp is completed, efforts will be made to promote the area as a model for EC countries, showcasing sustainable development and innovation in dealing with the challenges presented by climate-change and weather events.
