Heavy rain and flood warnings unveiled for Saarland with updated hazard maps provided
New Flood and Erosion Risk Maps Unveiled for Saarland
In a collaborative effort, Environment Minister Petra Berg and Professor Dr. Alpaslan Yörük from the University of Applied Sciences and Technology of Saarland (htw saar) have presented new flood risk maps for heavy rainfall events in Saarland. This initiative is part of the "Heavy Rainfall and Erosion Risk Maps of Saarland" project, which aims to establish a comprehensive early warning system for heavy rainfall events in the region.
The new flood risk maps, showcased today, provide valuable insights into areas that would be flooded during extreme heavy rainfall events, up to 200 millimeters of rain per hour. They offer information on expected water depths and flow velocities, as well as potential impassable roads or rescue routes.
In addition to the existing heavy rainfall risk maps, these new maps supplement the region with risk assessment maps, classifying the risk to people, vehicles, and buildings on a four-level scale from "low" to "very high".
The calculations for the maps are based on a two-dimensional surface runoff model combined with a 3D terrain model. Interestingly, the rivers themselves are not integrated into the heavy rainfall model, focusing instead on localized heavy rainfall events and large-scale river flooding, particularly along the Blies, Prims, and Saar rivers.
The erosion risk map, another key component of the project, is intended for targeted erosion prevention and management measures. It will show where heavy rainfall causes soil erosion, transports sediments, and where these deposits occur. This map is part of the long-term goals of the project and will be a valuable tool for planning protective measures in advance.
The developed model will be integrated into the "KliGAS" project - Climate Risk Defense System Blies, a future development. KliGAS aims to provide answers to the questions "What will happen?" and "When?" in addition to the spatial dimension of risks. The goal of KliGAS is to establish a comprehensive early warning system for heavy rainfall events in Saarland.
The maps are now available via the state's geoportal, offering residents and authorities a crucial resource for preparing for and responding to heavy rainfall events in Saarland.
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