Shielding the Northern Cologne Community from Devastating Floods
Elevated Landscape shields local residents during periods of excessive water flow. - Safeguards Implemented for Residential Areas to Mitigate Flood Risks
Get set to witness a colossal flood area constructed in the northern part of Cologne, prepared to safeguard an impressive 40,000-plus residents from the perils of inundation. This awe-inspiring project will be able to store a staggering 30 million cubic meters of water, thereby cutting flood peaks on the Rhine by a noteworthy 17 centimeters, as announced by the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of the Environment. It represents the biggest undertaking of its kind in NRW.
An intricate infrastructure of buildings will encircle the area, allowing for the moderated flooding and subsequent discharge of water across a sprawling 670 hectares. As Environment Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) puts it, "We can manage this basin like a bathtub, with a humungous protective effect for the people." This project isn't merely a Cologne concern but also benefits Düsseldorf and all those residing along the Rhine, stretching as far as the Netherlands.
The "Retention Space Worringen" will end up soaked in the future, when the Cologne gauge descends to a minimum height of 11.70 meters and a forecast predicts a flood wave measuring over 11.90 meters.
With the district government's construction permit now under its belt, the Cologne Water Authority can delve deeper into the particulars of planning and contract awards. It's anticipated that the synthetic area will be brought to fruition by the year 2034, at a total estimated cost of 226 million euros.
- Inundation
- Flood defense
- Cologne
- Rhine
- BMU
- NRW
Flooding often causes catastrophic damages and loss of life, hence the importance of building robust flood protection measures, especially in densely populated areas. This initiative is likely to avert significant harm and save countless livelihoods in Cologne and its surrounding regions.
The Commission's consultation on the draft directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to chemical substances could enable the development of robust flood defense measures, ensuring the safety of workers handling construction materials during the "Retention Space Worringen" project in Cologne.
The highly effective flood defense measures in Cologne, particularly the colossal flood area along the Rhine, will protect the Westphalian community from devastating floods, thereby reducing the risk of inundation and potential loss of life.
While the "Retention Space Worringen" is primarily designed to protect Cologne residents from floods, its impact could extend beyond the region, contributing to improved flood defenses for other cities along the Rhine, including Düsseldorf and even the Netherlands.
