Danger of flooding on the Elbe: Wittenberge on alert!

Danger of flooding on the Elbe: Wittenberge on alert!

Recently, the Elbe in Wittenberge has shown that it is not averse to another flood. Today, June 17, 2025, the signs are at warning level: According to various reports, the water level has already reached significant levels, even if specific measurements for Wittenberge have not yet been announced. Martin Ferch from the city of Wittenberge urgently appeals to citizens to take official advice seriously and to remain vigilant in order to be prepared for possible developments. Historically, the Elbe repeatedly brings floods, as the disasters in 2002 and 2013 clearly demonstrate. According to maz-online.de, the current flood warning levels are clearly defined and range from alert level 1 to alert level 4.

Current water levels show that the Elbe in the Ludwigslust-Parchim region is at a level of 5.45 meters - this concerns alert level 1. This means that the situation remains relaxed for the time being, as the crisis team only becomes active when the water level reaches 5.80 meters. In Boizenburg, however, the level is 5.20 meters and the signal values ​​are rising continuously. Mayor Rico Reichelt emphasizes that despite the rising water levels, the situation is still under control. “We have enough sandbags in stock and our team is monitoring the situation around the clock,” said Reichelt, according to a report from ndr.de.

What to do in the event of flooding?

For Wittenberge, a water level of around 4 meters means that the first preparations are being made. The parking lot at Nedwighafen will be closed and towing measures are to be expected if vehicles are left there. The Elbe bridge, which is 1,110 meters long, and the railway bridge, which measures 1,030 meters, are also of crucial importance when it comes to transport connections. The crisis team in Wittenberge in particular is alerted to all developments so that changes can be responded to quickly.

The level measurement takes place in Wittenberge in a special gauge house that is equipped with sensors to digitally record the water levels. At the same time, flood warnings follow official channels, so local media and sirens can quickly provide information if water levels become critical. The evacuation decisions are made by the crisis team, but there is no firmly defined water level that automatically leads to an evacuation. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming hours.

Good preparation is the be-all and end-all

The development of the water levels was updated on June 17, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. (CEST), and although there are no current values ​​with a flood reporting function, there is a trend towards rising water levels. The alert levels range from first to second to fourth, which could indicate flood defenses. Particularly flooded areas are cordoned off and both local authorities and the public are preparing for the worst, the reporting sources confirm.

Agriculture Minister Backhaus emphasizes the importance of increased vigilance, and the fire brigade and emergency services are ready to help if necessary. The entire system is functioning and the dikes are in good condition, which is also important for the coming months. The outlook shows that precipitation is expected to decrease, which could cause water levels to fall again, as umwelt.sachsen.de reports.