Storm Ziros is raging – Berlin mourns the loss of life and immense damage!

Storm Ziros is raging – Berlin mourns the loss of life and immense damage!

On June 24, 2025, the storm Ziros raged over Berlin and Brandenburg, leaving a trail of destruction behind. There were numerous fallen trees and falling branches in the region, resulting in some dangerous situations. Tragically, a woman in Berlin lost her life when a branch fell on her car. As a result, the fire departments in Ahrensfelde, Bernau, Panketal and Werneuchen had to be deployed continuously to repair the damage and ensure the safety of citizens.

The community of Ahrensfelde was particularly hard hit. Those responsible set up an online damage reporting form to help citizens report damage to public property and thus better coordinate operations. Ahrensfelde was also the most affected in terms of emergency services, where 80 firefighters were deployed. The town hall is also warning residents to be particularly careful on footpaths and cycle paths, as falling branches continue to pose a danger.

In Bernau, the fire department carried out 29 operations, but fortunately no major damage was reported. The situation in Panketal was similar; There were six missions here, but no injuries. Werneuchen, on the other hand, also reported fallen trees, but no major property damage. There was also an operation there in which a turntable ladder from Altlandsberg was needed.

Tree care and challenges

A controversial discussion arose regarding tree care in Ahrensfelde. Critics expressed concerns, while the fire chief emphasized that the trees were well cared for. Nevertheless, drought is seen as a problem that could affect the stability of the trees. As the Waldquest article highlights, storms pose a significant risk to forestry. They can cause damage to forest stands and permanently change the forest structure. There are also fears of economic losses due to the loss of trees and wood, which not least affects the local economy.

Prevention and aftercare

The topic of prevention and aftercare in forestry is becoming increasingly important. Early warning systems and forest management are crucial measures to prevent storm damage and strengthen the resilience of trees. Restoring fallen trees and reforestation are also important steps to regenerate stands and minimize ecological loss.

As the region now struggles with the consequences of the storm, it is becoming clear that well-thought-out forest management and close cooperation between scientists, foresters and communities are of utmost importance in order to continue to protect forests and the associated habitats in the future.

Overall, Storm Ziros not only caused material damage, but also triggered a discussion about responsibilities and preventative measures. The coming days will show how communities will overcome the challenges and whether the lessons from this natural disaster can lead to better ensuring the safety of citizens in the future.

For more information and current updates on the damage cases, we refer to the articles from the Märkische Oderzeitung, which report on the events, as well as to the Panorama from Spiegel, where further and current information can be found. Visit Märkische Oder newspaper and The mirror for more details.