Germany just recorded its wettest year on record, with rainfall up 35 percent, reports Euronews. An average of 1070 liters of rain per square meter fell in the country from July 2023 to June 2024, compared with an average of 789 liters for the period 1961-1990. It was the wettest 12 months since records began in 1881. , according to the German Weather Service (DWD).
"This record was achieved even though none of the last 12 months stood out as a peak in terms of precipitation," said Dr. Frank Caspar, DWD's chief of hydrometeorology.
The wet spell is in stark contrast to the dry spell of recent years, with below-average rainfall over the past decade.
What is behind Germany's wet weather?
Last month, massive flooding in the southern German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg killed six people – three of them in flooded basements. The Danube River rose to 5,9 meters, prompting the city of Regensburg to declare a state of emergency. This was not an isolated incident. In December, parts of Hamburg were submerged as heavy rain fell in northern Europe, causing the Elbe River to overflow.
In 2023, Europe saw 7% more rain than average overall, with a third of rivers exceeding the 'high' flood threshold as sea levels rise. Italy, Greece, Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland were particularly hard hit.
It was also the hottest year on record, with ocean surface temperatures rising to record highs, causing evaporation and bringing more rain to low-lying regions.
Warmer air can hold more moisture, which in turn leads to more precipitation as the climate warms.
How can Europe prepare for more floods?
One in eight Europeans now lives in an area at risk of flooding, according to a recent report by the European Environment Agency. And the continent is grossly unprepared for what lies ahead, the same analysis says.
The report calls on countries to avoid building on flood plains and riverbanks in the future and to use natural solutions to the problem. These include planting trees and vegetation and restoring wetlands that have the ability to absorb water.
As many water management and flood protection systems are no longer fit for purpose, investment is needed to ensure sustainability.
Under the EU Floods Directive, member states must map flood risk areas and take steps to reduce the risk.
In addition to restoring and maintaining rivers, basins, lakes and aquifers, measures should include adopting better land use and water management practices such as soil conservation and urban rainwater harvesting, among other solutions.