After the flood: Erftstadt discusses reconstruction and flood protection!

After the flood: Erftstadt discusses reconstruction and flood protection!

On July 12, 2025, around 80 participants took part in an insightful panel discussion in the Bliesheim community hall. This event took place exactly four years after the devastating floods of 2021 and was dedicated to the topic of flood protection and the lessons that could be learned from this tragedy. Under the title “Disaster Resilience / Disaster Dementia”, representatives from the municipalities of Erftstadt and Rösrath, disaster relief initiatives and self-help groups discussed current challenges and future measures. According to Kirche Köln, the exchange about how those affected can be better supported was of central importance.

Andrea Schnackertz from the Diakonisches Werk Cologne and Region, who has been part of the mobile flood relief team since January 2022, was invited. She highlighted that many of those affected never applied for help because there was a lack of information about the help available. This is a structural shortcoming that is reinforced by unclear responsibilities and a difficult application system. Noa Hillebrecht from the Johanniter emphasized how important psychosocial support is during reconstruction, as many of those affected are struggling with the psychological consequences of the flood.

Challenges in reconstruction

Dirk Schulz, the technical representative for the city of Erftstadt, spoke about the complexity of the planning and approval procedures, which severely hinder reconstruction. A look at the situation shows: A shortage of skilled workers and a lack of planning capacity are hindering progress. Reiner von Kempen from the Erftstadt flood initiative called for more citizen participation in order to actively include the opinions of residents in the planning.

A particularly emotional moment was when Bondina Schulze, mayor of Rösrath, shared her memories of the night of the flood and described the loss of one person in her city. Alexander Kern, who is responsible for security in Erftstadt, drew attention to the problems with the communication infrastructure and emphasized that the city has now set up lighthouses as central information points in the event of a crisis. The technical and organizational communication failures during the flood remain a central issue.

A new approach to flood protection

Looking ahead, the city of Erftstadt is working on a new flood protection concept to better identify areas at risk and provide citizens with targeted information. The first implementations are planned with a view to 2030. Schnackertz expressed the desire for a help landscape that actively finds and supports those affected. The flood not only left physical damage, but also lasting psychological wounds that need to be healed.

A particularly important aspect, as Diakonie Catastrophe Aid notes, is support for reconstruction. Comprehensive assistance programs provide financial, psychological and social support and aim to strengthen social communities and expand disaster prevention measures. These initiatives are also linked to the efforts of Malteser International to prepare vulnerable communities and local authorities for flood events.

The events of the 2021 flood disaster, in which more than 180 people died and property damage amounting to billions of euros, are still deeply felt. The majority of those affected are still waiting for support today. A more structured approach and adjusted communication should ensure that no one is left alone when the water rises.