Last year's storms in Berlin and Brandenburg: A look back at the weather events.
Catastrophic storms, hail, and flooding led to a significant increase in insurance claims in Brandenburg last year compared to the previous, amounting to 92 million euros, according to Jörg Asmussen, CEO of the German Insurance Association (GDV). The previous year's damages totaled 76 million euros.
Damages from non-insured incidents are likely higher, with nearly half of the insured damages—49 million euros—being attributed to storms and hail. Flooding and heavy rain caused approximately 18 million euros in damages, while car insurance payouts accounted for 25 million euros due to natural hazard damage to vehicles.
Significant incidents occurred in July during the initial weekend of summer holidays, with heavy rain and storms leading to flooded basements, uprooted trees, and a temporary halt in flight traffic at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. In September, the Oder river in eastern Brandenburg overflowed its banks, causing water to flood gardens, garages, and streets in Eisenhüttenstadt. Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) visited the area to assess the situation and offer assistance.
Compared to other federal states, Brandenburg's damages were relatively low. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the most affected states, reported insurance damages of around 1.6 billion euros each last year.
In Berlin, natural hazard damages were less severe last year than in 2023, equating to approximately 39 million euros in insured damages. Around 14 million euros were caused by storms and hail, seven million euros by heavy rain and flooding, and 18 million euros by car insurance payouts for natural hazard damages to vehicles.
The city's vulnerability to wetter (Weather-related incidents) has increased, resulting in more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, heavy rain, and flooding. However, specific figures or year-over-year trends for storm, hail, or related car insurance payouts for these regions are not provided in available sources.
Detailed statistics on insurance payouts for natural hazards in Brandenburg and Berlin are not listed. For definitive data, consult reports from German insurers (e.g., GDV) or regional statistics offices.
The increase in insurance claims in Brandenburg last year, primarily from storms, hail, flooding, and car insurance payouts due to natural hazard damage, totaled 92 million euros. Furthermore, environmental science and climate-change discussions are essential as Brandenburg experiences more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms and flooding.
