Red alert: Shelters in Bavaria - Only 1% of the population protected!

Red alert: Shelters in Bavaria - Only 1% of the population protected!

In the districts of Altötting, Mühldorf, Traunstein, Berchtesgadener Land and Rosenheim, the focus is on an urgent issue: the lack of availability of shelters for the population. How Innsalzach24 reported, only 1% of citizens in this region have a place in public bunkers in an emergency. In view of geostrategic developments and past conflicts, this represents an alarming situation.

The research not only shows a massive lack of shelters, but also ambiguities regarding responsibilities and data. While the district offices refer to the federal government, many municipalities are confronted with de-dedicated shelters that are officially still on the lists of the Ministry of the Interior. In the Altötting district, for example, the district office no longer reported any active public shelters. The Traunstein case raises similar questions: There is a shelter in Traunreut that is no longer active, and its condition raises questions.

Unclear responsibilities and lousy maintenance

A look at the actual situation of the shelters makes it clear that something is wrong. According to the data, the region includes a total of 20 shelters with 849 shelter spaces, protecting just 1% of the population. What is particularly striking is that in Rosenheim only 0.10% of citizens can count on a place. Most shelters have not been maintained for over 20 years, calling their functionality into question.

Interestingly, the federal government largely gave up responsibility for the shelter concept in 2007, which led to the de-designation of many shelters. Since then, the question has arisen as to how the safety of the population can be guaranteed. Another problem is that responsibilities for the operation and maintenance of the shelters remain unclear even after more than a decade. While the BImA, which has been responsible for management since 2020, is carrying out an inventory of all shelters dedicated to the public, numerous questions still remain unanswered.

Measures for the future

As part of current efforts, a sub-working group has been set up to work on a new shelter concept. The results of this process are expected to be presented in summer 2025. The aim is to increase the safety of citizens and take appropriate precautions. For 2026, the federal government is planning a pilot funding of up to one million shelter places in the federal budget, which could be very well received.

With the inventory and the possible reactivation of the shelters, the BImA has taken a first step. However, it remains to be seen to what extent these measures will actually have an impact and the course can be set for a secure future. However, in order to update the Federal Republic's security concept in a changing environment, a comprehensive strategy is required that also takes geopolitical developments into account.

The discussion about shelters is anything but over. The population should actively participate in these issues because it concerns their safety. Whether the planned changes have the desired effects will only have to be proven during implementation. The need for greater clarity, concrete action and a reliable infrastructure is more urgent than ever.