Christmas in Lower Saxony: Flood Warnings and Volunteer Efforts
The festive season is supposed to be a time of joy and comfort, but for many regions in Lower Saxony, it's become a time of tense flood situations. While families gather to celebrate, volunteer firefighters, including those in Hanover, Northeim, and the Harz Mountains, work tirelessly to protect residential areas from impending floods.
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) issued storm surge warnings for the Weser region and the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony, including cities like Bremen and Wilhelmshaven. As a result, hundreds of volunteers have been needed to build protective barriers with sandbags.
Warnings and Threatening Situations
In Hanover, the flood situation remains severe, with a risk of 'peak levels' being reached in some locations, according to the Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency (NLWKN). In Oldenburg, a ban on access to dyke areas and paths became necessary as the city dealt with heavy flooding. The situation worsened on Christmas Eve, leading to an increase in water levels and warnings from the German Weather Service (DWD) of possible heavy rainfall.
Volunteer Efforts
Numerous volunteer fire departments and emergency services are working around the clock to combat the flood situation. In Rhüden and Vienenburg, barriers have been erected with sandbags to prevent the overflowing of ponds. In Celle, large areas along the Aller and Fuhse rivers are already flooded, with a retirement and nursing home having to be evacuated as a precautionary measure.
To address the issue, a mobile dyke was set up in Braunschweig as a precautionary measure, and sandbags were used in many locations in an attempt to combat the masses of water.
Staying Alert and Informed
The flood situation has resulted in numerous road closures in southern Lower Saxony, with drivers having to be rescued for disregarding warnings. Residents are urged to stay cautious and heed warnings from local authorities. To keep up-to-date with acute danger situations, the fire department recommends using the Katwarn warning app.
CC: Lower Saxony, Germany, flood warnings and measures during the Christmas holidays
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