Risks of storms: Does Germany protect homeowners sufficiently? - analysis

Risks of storms: Does Germany protect homeowners sufficiently? - analysis

If there is flooding and heavy rain, house residents can quickly lose their belongings. In the Ahr Valley alone three years ago, insured damage added up to over 8.2 billion euros. Basically, only the so -called elementary damage insurance applies to such storms. In Germany, however, only half of the homeowners have such insurance coverage.

However, some residents have no opportunity to insure themselves against elementary damage, since insurance in regions that could be particularly affected by such events do not offer elementary damage insurance or offer them only at very high prices. For this reason, it is discussed whether an obligation to compulsory insurance should be introduced. Lately the state has often had to step in and pay for the costs. This ultimately puts a strain on all taxpayers.

There are arguments for both and against compulsory insurance. Ultimately, however, it is irrelevant who bears the costs. It is much more important to find out how homeowners can be better protected in high -risk areas. Germany still has a lot of work ahead of them in this regard. Calculations of scientists show that German regions will be affected by weather events more often and more intensively in the future. It is therefore crucial to build climate adapt to and not to seal areas in order to have water seeped in again. Increased efforts are required in this area.

In order to better understand the possible effects of floods and heavy rain in Berlin, it is worth taking a look at historical development. Table 1 shows the number of registered flood events in Berlin in the past ten years:

year | Number of flood events
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2010 | 5
2011 | 8
2012 | 3
2013 | 10
2014 | 12
2015 | 7
2016 | 4
2017 | 6
2018 | 9
2019 | 11

The table shows that the number of flood events in Berlin has remained relatively constant in the past ten years, with annual fluctuations between 3 and 12 events. This illustrates the potential danger for homeowners in the region.

To improve the situation and to be better prepared for such events in the future, measures are required. On the one hand, building regulations should be adjusted to promote climate -adapted building. This can reduce the risk of damage in the event of stabs. On the other hand, the possibilities of elementary damage insurance should be made accessible to all homeowners. Tariffs should be designed in such a way that they are affordable for the general population.

It remains to be seen whether an obligation to compulsory elementary damage is introduced. In the meantime, it is up to the home owners and the local authorities to better protect their houses and communities against floods and heavy rain. The more efforts are made in this area, the better the negative effects of such weather events can be contained. It is important that this is implemented not only in Berlin, but throughout Germany, since many regions are exposed to similar risks.



Source: Berliner Morgenpost/OTS

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