Interactive Map Highlights Potential Impacts of Torrential Rains in Berlin and Brandenburg
Berlin, Germany – A comprehensive map is now available for Berlin and Brandenburg, providing detailed information on the potential impacts of heavy rainfall. The map, created by the Berlin Senate Department for Climate Protection and Environment, in collaboration with the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) and the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg, offers citizens, authorities, and districts a valuable tool for understanding and mitigating flood risks.
Key Features of the Map
The interactive map allows users to visualize two distinct scenarios:
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Exceptional Rainfall Event: Simulates a heavy rainfall event with precipitation levels of 35 to 40 liters per square meter within an hour.
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Extreme Rainfall Event: Depicts an extreme rainfall event with precipitation levels reaching 100 liters per square meter and a constant intensity over an hour.
By selecting one of these scenarios, users can gain insights into potential water depths, flow velocities, and flow directions in the event of heavy rain. These visualizations help identify areas at risk of flooding and facilitate informed decision-making for both prevention and response measures.
Limitations and Recommendations
The map provides a general overview of potential flood hazards, but it is important to note that certain terrain details may not be fully represented. These include elements such as sewers and drainage systems. Therefore, users are advised to complement the map’s information with local knowledge and, where available, more detailed flood hazard maps.
For specific areas in Berlin, such as Flughafensee, Moabit, Obersee, Orankesee, Frankentaler Ufer, and Niederschönhausen, comprehensive flood hazard maps are already available. These maps provide more granular data and can be used for detailed planning and risk assessments.
Understanding Torrential Rains and Their Impacts
Torrential rains refer to exceptional rainfall events that occur over a short period, exceeding the capacity of drainage systems. This can lead to surface runoff and accumulation of water in low-lying areas, resulting in flooding.
Flooding caused by torrential rains can occur even in areas distant from water bodies and pose significant risks to buildings, infrastructure, and vehicles. Understanding these potential impacts is crucial for mitigating risks and ensuring public safety during heavy rainfall events.
Map Accessibility and Utilization
The interactive map is readily accessible via the Berlin Senate Department for Climate Protection and Environment’s website. Users can navigate the map, select different scenarios, and zoom in on specific areas to obtain detailed information.
Authorities and districts can use the map to identify vulnerable areas and develop comprehensive stormwater management strategies. Citizens can also benefit from the map’s insights by staying informed about potential flood hazards in their neighborhoods and taking appropriate precautions during heavy rainfall events.
