Expanded heavy rain warning area announced

In the heart of Bavaria, the city of Passau has taken a proactive approach to addressing flood risks, particularly following the heavy rainfall events in 2016. Since then, the city has been committed to creating improvements, tackling solvable problems, and reducing the risk of flooding.

The city's efforts are centred around the "Starkregen" project, a risk management initiative funded by the Free State of Bavaria. This project, which is expected to be fully presented in the second half of 2025, includes the use of heavy rain hazard maps and an early warning system for heavy rain.

These hazard maps provide valuable information about areas affected by heavy rain and flash floods, including overflowing waters, flooding via waterways, and accumulation in hollows and depressions. Based on this information, hazard potentials and resulting improvement measures can be identified.

One of the key components of Passau's risk management is the early warning system. This system, accessible at www.starkregen.de, provides users with real-time information about rising water levels, even within short periods of time. It plays a crucial role in helping residents and authorities respond swiftly to potential flood situations.

In 2016, a flash flood risk management was carried out for the districts of Grubweg, Innstadt, and Hals. Concept measures developed during this period include informing affected residents, protecting critical objects, supplementing the alarm and deployment plan of the fire departments, and structural measures such as retention basins or the establishment of an early warning system.

Following the initial risk management, the city council of Passau has decided to expand the funding concept to all other city areas. Already, numerous measures have been taken, such as raising the curb and creating a retention volume of 750 m³ at Buchenstraße in the Neustift area.

The project status and the next steps will be reported in the Climate and Environment Committee this week. On February 10, 2025, the status of these precautions will be presented to the committee. Additionally, the financing of the "Starkregen" project was taken over by the German federal government (Bund) in February 2025.

Passau's comprehensive approach to flood risk management is a testament to the city's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. By utilising advanced technology and strategic planning, Passau is taking steps to minimise the impact of future flood events.