Flash floods wreak havoc in Lower Saxony after violent storm
A violent storm swept through parts of Lower Saxony on Monday afternoon, dumping torrential rain over a small area. The downpour triggered widespread flooding, with Hohenassel Primary School and multiple homes in Heere among the worst-hit locations. Firefighters from six villages worked for hours to control the damage.
The storm struck the district of Peine and the collective municipality of Baddeckenstedt with unexpected force. In Heere, a drainage ditch overflowed, sending a surge of muddy water into streets and properties. Several garages were submerged, and residents scrambled to stop water from entering their homes.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, setting up sludge pumps and sandbags to lower water levels. Meanwhile, Hohenassel Primary School suffered extensive flooding as mud-laden water poured in from a nearby field. Four classrooms and the heating system were left underwater. The fire station in Sehlde itself was not spared, taking on water and requiring additional firefighting efforts. Christian Harbich, the municipality’s fire chief, later noted that these sudden, heavy downpours repeatedly stretch resources to their limits. Volunteer brigades from Heere, Groß Elbe, Berel, Hohenassel, Burgdorf, and Sehlde—alongside Harbich and his deputy—worked until nightfall to clear debris and secure affected areas.
The storm caused significant disruption, with schools, homes, and emergency infrastructure all impacted. Firefighters managed to stabilise the situation by late evening, though repairs and clean-up efforts are expected to continue in the coming days.
