Almost two months ago, severe storms with heavy rain hit the Lake Constance region hard. Since then, insurance companies have been notified of damages amounting to millions.
The mud from the flood has long since been cleaned away, broken furniture and other items from flooded cellars have been disposed of. But many of those affected are still dealing with the consequences of the storm on June 26, especially in the districts of Lake Constance and Konstanz. Many are waiting for money from their insurance companies.
Damages reported in the millions
The reported claims for the storm in the Bodensee district have currently totaled 2.5 million euros at Wüstenrot & Württembergische AG alone, the insurance company said in response to a request from SWR. Compensation of several hundred thousand euros has been paid out so far. However, most claims are still being processed as regulations and repair work are ongoing. Other insurance companies that were contacted have not yet provided SWR with any regional claims data.
Those affected can still report it. It is important that they can describe the damage in a comprehensible and plausible manner and document the damage with photos if, for example, broken items have already been disposed of, explains a spokeswoman for Wüstenrot & Württembergische AG. In principle, however, damage must be reported immediately.
Oberteuringen municipality accommodates those affected
Those whose basements and garages were flooded by the flood in Oberteuringen (Bodenseekreis) can at least look forward to some relief. In July, the municipality retroactively declared a public emergency and thus covered the costs of pumping out basements and garages by the fire brigade and the THW, a total of almost 60,000 euros.
According to the local authority, it is still unclear who will cover the costs of waste disposal. Discussions with the district administration are still ongoing, they say. Those affected in the municipality of Oberteuringen and its districts cleared around 220 tons of waste from temporarily flooded cellars, garages and ground floor apartments. This is evident from documents from the July municipal council meeting.
The municipality also wants to expand its flood protection. Flood risk maps are to be recalculated using current figures, the so-called heavy rain risk management is to be expanded and flood planning on the Rotach river is to be advanced.
Fundraising campaign promises financial support
A fundraising campaign for the victims of the flood in Oberteuringen had also raised more than 20,000 euros by mid-August. The Oberteuringen Community Foundation launched the appeal for donationsThe donations will be passed on to the flood victims without any red tape and will be used primarily where no insurance is available. For example, to replace washing machines or furniture that was damaged in the flood in June. According to the foundation, some emergency aid has already been paid out.
Heavy rain on 26 June hit several places in the Lake Constance area
Many communities in the Bodenseekreis were affected by the storm: After the heavy rainfall, well over 100 cellars and apartments in Oberteuringen were flooded within a very short time. A campsite near Markdorf had to be temporarily evacuatedIn the Salem district of Stefansfeld, many cellars in one street had to be pumped out because a tributary of the Salemer Aach had overflowed. There were also traffic disruptions in Deggenhausertal due to the heavy rain. In Roggenbeuren am Gehrenberg, the road was temporarily closed due to a small landslide.
In Hegau, too, communities were severely affected: In Singen (Konstanz district), heavy rain caused various damages that day, in addition to flooded underpasses. For example, the water pushed through the ceiling of a department store and devastated private theater “Die Färbe” the pub area and the boiler room. The game will therefore continue in the alternative venue “Basilika” until further notice.
In Rielasingen-Worblingen, also in the district of Konstanz, Mayor Ralf Baumert spoke of a flood of the century in June. Within a very short time, the water level of the Radolfzeller Ach rose by almost half a meter. A children’s home and a primary school are located directly on the bank. Both facilities, with more than 200 children, were evacuated.
Flooding: Lake Constance-Upper Swabia area hit hard
Heavy or persistent rainfall caused major damage in the Lake Constance-Upper Swabia region in May and June. Residents in the Meckenbeuren area (Bodensee district) were particularly affected, where the Schussen overflowed its banks and the streets were flooded for days.
Landslides, for example in Bergatreute (Ravensburg district) or Neukirch (Bodensee district), caused road closures. Lake Constance had a water level of over five meters in some places, which caused problems in some towns and communities.
Broadcast on Fri., 23.8.2024 10:00 a.m., SWR4 in the morning, SWR4
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