One year ago, Luxembourg faced some of the worst flooding in the history of the country. Relentless discussions about how to improve preventive measures have since been held, and on Monday, authorities presented a new and adapted plan.
The presentation took place in Hesperange, where the floods caused severe damage last year.
Claude Schortgen from the Water Management Authority explained that floods are a natural phenomenon that can hardly be avoided: “We cannot disrupt or prevent rain and subsequent floods. What we can do however is take precautionary measures to reduce potential damages as much as possible.”
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development Joëlle Welfring was also present and argued that the signs of climate change in Luxembourg have become undeniable: “It is important that we continue with our efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change. With better organisation of residential areas, and better preventive mechanisms, we can all contribute.”
Since it is impossible to prevent flooding events outright, officials at the presentation discussed the matter in terms of “flood management”. Areas in Luxembourg that are prone to floods are already known, but the implications of heavy rain are to be re-evaluated. Schortgen further conveyed that a respective map on geoportail.lu will be expanded.
A new app warning system is also in development at the moment.
Schortgen stressed that cooperation with municipalities is of crucial importance: “We were in direct contact with most of the municipalities that were severely affected by the floods. We had 51 meetings, some of which were individual ones with specific municipalities to establish where support can be given after floods.”
In the municipality of Berdorf, for instance, a project is underway to create water barriers designed to prevent water from entering houses.
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Link: Last year’s floods in pictures and videos
