Heavy rain in Schwandorf: Channel lid stands, security policy is in demand!

Heavy rain in Schwandorf: Channel lid stands, security policy is in demand!

On Tuesday afternoon, July 16, 2025, heavy rain caused surprises in Schwandorf. At 12:45 p.m., numerous calls received the police who reported road surveys and outer canal covers. The emergency services, consisting of the fire brigade and building yard, moved out quickly and discovered a canal lid at the intersection Fliederstraße/Wackersdorfer Straße, which was pushed out by the pressure of the water. Fortunately, the channel cover was quickly used again, and no damage to the road was found, as reported.

But what do such extremists mean for our infrastructure? The answer to this question is not only relevant for Schwandorf. Heavy rain can flood roads into no time, which is why protective concepts have to be in the foreground again and again. Scientists from the Rhineland-Palatinate University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) research the associated climate risks and their effects on our habitats. They are calling for a comprehensive examination of all residential buildings and industrial plants to their susceptibility to extreme weather events. This is all the more urgent, since a climate risk-act force at all levels-from federal to municipality-is needed to be prepared in time, as zdf.de.

protective measures in focus

was particularly striking after the heavy rain disaster in Braunsbach (2,600 inhabitants), where a comprehensive climate protection concept was developed after violent storms in 2016. In two years, the climate protection manager developed a concept with urgently needed measures that were based on heavy rain cards. This measure has shown that a proactive approach not only improves the infrastructure, but also the quality of life of the residents. Similar measures could be considered in Schwandorf to better arm the city for future weather extremes.

A look beyond the borders of Bavaria is very instructive. Copenhagen set up an ambitious heavy rain concept in 2011 after a massive cloudbreak. Parks and structural facilities are now being converted into water ascension basins - an example of how cities can deal more creatively with the challenges of climate change. The Enghave Park, for example, can save up to 23 million liters of rainwater. With over 250 projects, Copenhagen shows that it is possible to actively tackle the consequences of climate change.

a call to the action

The situation in Schwandorf also raises questions for the future. While the city quickly reacted to the current weather conditions, it is important that comprehensive risk analyzes are carried out. This could not only reduce damage, but also enable residents to live a safer life. Water economists advocate financing these analyzes by the federal government and the country to provide all municipalities the necessary resources. The exchange of knowledge about climate adaptation measures should be done in good time before new projects so that we are prepared for the future.

This remains to be seen whether Schwandorf draws the right conclusions from the latest weather events. The climate remains a central topic, and the question of which preparatory measures are now being launched is the responsibility of all decision -makers.