On September 18, the State Office for the Environment (LfU) declared alert level I for Ratzdorf and Eisenhüttenstadt (Oder-Spree district). On 19.09.2024, the water level in Kienitz (Märkisch-Oderland district) was 324 cm, an increase of 41 cm compared to the previous day (283 cm). According to current LfU forecasts, the first gauges in Märkisch-Oderland will reach alert level III on September 23. It is likely that alert level IV will follow the A III very quickly.
The first road closures have already taken place in the Bleyen-Genschmar, Am Oderdamm and Nieschener Deich areas. Further road closures will follow to prevent unauthorized access to the dyke. The Polish district of Lebus (Lubuskie) is currently deciding whether to close the Küstrin-Kietz/Kostrzyn nad Odra border bridge. Rail traffic on the railroad bridge is currently not restricted. The disaster control team of the Märkisch-Oderland district has been working with daily situation briefings since September 16, 2024. Preparations have been underway for two weeks and have already been largely completed.
The district of MOL is in constant communication with the affected municipalities along the Oder. Today, all the district directors and mayors of the district are coordinating. The construction and mowing measures on the dyke have been completed. Livestock owners in the dyke area have been informed by the Water and Dyke Association of the measures now required. District Administrator Gernot Schmidt: "This is not the first flood to affect us in the Oderbruch. We will also overcome this challenge. I have confidence in the preparations made by my office, but also in the pragmatism of the people of the Oderbruch. Without panic and with the necessary determination, we will face the things that come our way."
Frankfurt (Oder) has also been on alert level I (4.20 meters) since Thursday afternoon. Although the water level was only at 3.63 meters yesterday afternoon at 2 p.m., the 4.00 meter mark was exceeded this morning and the southern Oder meadows are flooding.
According to the LfU forecast (Pegelportal Brandenburg – Messstelle), the water levels will initially stagnate after this first rise at the weekend, with a renewed rise expected from 23.09.2024 with an exceedance of alert level 2 (5.00 meters) on 26.09.2024 and alert level 3 (5.30 meters) on 25.09.2024. According to current LfU forecasts, the peak of the flood wave in Frankfurt (Oder) is expected in the middle of next week. The LfU does not rule out reaching alert level 4 (6.00 meters).
Preparations are in full swing in the city of Frankfurt (Oder). The construction of the mobile sheet pile wall at Holzmarkt is almost complete, sandbags are ready to be covered, traffic restrictions are being prepared, network companies are on their way to check connections in the affected areas and advise those affected. The crisis team is in daily coordination and consultation, also with Slubice's friends and neighbors.
Based on existing action plans, the city and its emergency services are well prepared, with an alert level higher than currently forecast in order to be well prepared for a possible worse scenario. During the last major flood in 2010, a water level of 6 meters was measured in the city; the record value from 1997 was 6.56 meters.
Flood protection: Hotline set up
From Thursday, September 19, 2024 until further notice, people potentially affected by the coming floods can call 0335 565-3705 for advice and assistance every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A wide range of questions and concerns are currently being brought to the various departments of the city administration of Frankfurt (Oder). In order to be able to guarantee competent answers for these, this central telephone number has now been activated in the Office for Fire, Disaster Control and Rescue Services. It is managed in cooperation with the German Red Cross.
Citizens of the city of Frankfurt (Oder) can use this number to request general and individual information in connection with the upcoming floods and, if necessary, request practical help. In particular, older people and people with limited mobility and chronic illnesses who live in the endangered area of the city can receive practical support with self-protection measures and health risks.