Experiences and Observations from the Flood Disaster 2021 in Germany

Abstract

Germany was hit by a catastrophic flood event in 2021, resulting in more than 180 fatalities and causing economic damage estimated at around 30 billion euros. With an estimated return period of over 1,000 years, the flood caused widespread devastation in the affected regions of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. The author and his team conducted a comprehensive documentation of the event, which gave rise to a number of research projects focusing on bridges, safety standards, critical infrastructure, early warning systems, building damage, and several other related topics. The event provided a unique opportunity to draw lessons for future flood events and to critically assess the current state of flood protection.

Bio

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Schüttrumpf is Full Professor of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management at RWTH Aachen University. His research covers flood risk management, design of hydraulic and coastal protection structures, soil and groundwater hydraulics, ecohydraulics, and water resources management. He has extensive international experience in consultancy and research across more than 25 countries and has received several prestigious awards, including the PIANC De Paepe-Willems Award. Prof. Schüttrumpf serves in leading roles within German and international professional organizations, and is currently Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at RWTH Aachen.