Sturm Chaos in Dresden: Fire brigade fights against the consequences of the storm

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Dresden (ots)

on August 18, 2024, around 2:30 p.m., the sky closed over Dresden and a violent storm broke out over the city. The German Weather Service initially issued a weather warning that was raised to the highest warning level at 3:45 p.m. This led to a dramatic increase in emergency calls, which the city administration and the fire brigade presented with a major challenge.

The integrated regional control center (IRLS) Dresden was subsequently faced with a massive call to call, which had to be reinforced immediately. Since then, the rush of the calls for help has been mastered with a total of 20 employees. The focus is mainly on the operating services in the East Dresden, where the effects of the storm were most felt.

operational reaction of the fire brigade

The Dresden fire brigade has mobilized almost all available forces in order to meet the requirements. Over 80 missions could be processed by the evening, while over 100 inquiries and requests for help remain open. This presents the fire brigade to prioritize the missions after urgency, which could drag on to the night. Fortunately, there are no reports on injuries so far, which is a positive aspect in the middle of the chaotic situation.

The challenges are diverse: fallen trees block roads, underpasses are flooded and numerous cellars are under water. In many of these cases, it affects property damage, which, however, do not pose a acute danger to life and life. This leads to some calls to block the emergency lines, which means an additional burden for the emergency services.

correct behaviors in emergencies

The city administration uses this opportunity to clarify the citizens about the correct behavior in such weather conditions. Many callers are not aware that they are responsible for removing damage in their own buildings. The fire brigade mainly takes care of emergencies that are life -threatening or represent considerable dangers for roads and infrastructure.

Those responsible point out that not every use can be treated equally and that some reports can lead to essential help being delayed elsewhere. It is all the more important to keep calm in this hectic time and to be clear about your own responsibilities. Helpful information can be found on the official website of the Dresden fire brigade, where citizens can learn how to secure their basements themselves for heavy rain and what measures can be taken in advance.

It clearly shows that extreme weather events like this storm affect us all and illustrate the need for strong emergency management. Despite the challenges, the fire brigade remains a reliable instance in times of crisis, which also does its best in the most difficult moments to help the population.

weather warning and outlook

The rain has now decreased and the severe weather warning has been lifted. Despite the calming of the weather, this event shows the vulnerability of our infrastructure compared to extreme weather conditions. It is a clear signal to all citizens to familiarize themselves with their own security measures and to be well prepared in the event of impending storms.

background information on storms in the Dresden region

The Dresden region is repeatedly affected by intensive storms caused by weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, heavy rain and floods. Such weather conditions can put a significant burden on the infrastructure of a city and often lead to emergencies that require fast aid measures. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), increasing extreme weather events are due to climate change, which increases the intensity and frequency of such phenomena. The urban environment, characterized by sealed areas and elderly buildings, is particularly susceptible to floods and other weather -related damage.

As the state capital of Saxony,

Dresden is the focus of various climatic challenges. In May 2013, for example, one of the worst flood disasters on the Elbe occurred, which affected many districts. The effects of such storms are not just a physical nature; They also have psychological and economic consequences for the affected population, which can be noticeable for many years.

Statistical data on weather -related emergencies

According to the annual report of the Dresden fire brigade, a total of over 900 weather -related operations were recorded in 2023. This is an increase of over 25 % compared to the previous year. Heavy rain events in particular have increased in recent years. Most missions are due to floods of basements, flooded streets and fallen trees.

In a survey of the DWD, 68 % of those surveyed stated that they often feel helpless after a storm and do not know how to react in an emergency. This illustrates the need for reconnaissance campaigns for the correct handling in the event of a storm. The fire brigade and other organizations are continuously working on programs that are intended to inform citizens about preventive measures and how to deal with emergency situations.

The costs for repairs and reconstruction after weather -related damage are difficult to quantify because they can vary greatly. It is estimated that the total costs for restoring the infrastructure in Saxony could be up to several million euros, especially after the funds available have to be used again and again for new weather events.

For more information about weather warnings and prevention strategies, you can visit the website of the German Weather Service

The fire brigade Dresden has also published extensive information on its website that can help citizens to prepare for such weather events and to act accordingly.