After the flood: Erftstadt discusses reconstruction and flood protection!

After the flood: Erftstadt discusses reconstruction and flood protection!

Bliesheim, Deutschland - On July 12, 2025, around 80 participants took part in an informative panel discussion in the Bürgerhalle Bliesheim. This event took place exactly four years after the devastating flood disaster in 2021 and devoted itself to the topic of flood protection and the teachings that could be drawn from this tragedy. Under the title "Disaster Resilience / Disaster Dementia", representatives from the Erftstadt and Rösrath municipalities discussed initiatives for disaster relief as well as self -help groups about current challenges and future measures. According to Church Cologne, the exchange was of central importance.

was invited to Andrea Schnackertz from the Diakonisches Werk Cologne and region, which has been part of the mobile flood aid team since January 2022. She emphasized that many of those affected never made an application for help because there was a lack of information about the available help. This is a structural shortcoming that is reinforced by unclear responsibilities and a difficult application system. Noa Hillebrecht from the Johannitern emphasized how important psychosocial escorts are during reconstruction, since many affected people fight with the psychological consequences of the flood.

challenges in reconstruction

Dirk Schulz, the technical deputy of the city of Erftstadt, spoke about the complexity of the planning and approval procedures, which severely hinder the reconstruction. A look at the situation shows that shortage of skilled workers and lack of planning capacities are approaching the progress. Reiner von Kempen from the Erftstadt flood initiative demanded more citizen participation in order to activate the opinions of residents: to actively involve the planning inside.

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

a new approach for flood protection

With a look forward, the city of Erftstadt is working on a new flood protection concept to better determine endangered areas and to inform the citizens in a targeted manner. 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 sustainable mental wounds that need to be healed.

A particularly important aspect, such as Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, is the support in the reconstruction. Comprehensive aid programs offer financial, psychological and social support and aim to strengthen the social communities and to expand disaster prevention measures. These initiatives are also related to the efforts of Malteser International to prepare endangered communities and local authorities for flood events.

The events of the flood disaster 2021, in which more than 180 people were killed and damage to property in billions of billions, are still deep. Much of those affected are still waiting for support. With a better structured approach and adjusted communication, it is to ensure that nobody stays alone when the water rises.