As of: February 27, 2024, 5:10 p.m
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Climate change brings with it an increasing risk of flooding.
These are usually associated with high costs for insurers.
(Symbolic image) © Daniel Bockwoldt / dpa
Climate change is becoming more and more noticeable – also in this country.
Insurers warn that if extreme weather events occur more frequently, billions of dollars in damage are inevitable.
Berlin – According to a study, 323,000 buildings in Germany are at risk of flooding.
That is why the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) is calling for a halt to new construction in endangered areas.
It is dangerous that more building land is designated in flood areas and new buildings are allowed to be built, said GDV deputy managing director Anja Käfer-Rohrbach on Tuesday in Berlin.
“Billions in damage are inevitable” - insurers warn of extreme weather events
The study commissioned by the GDV shows “how immense the risk of flooding is in the regions and the potential for disaster this has created”.
Although the figures are official and publicly known, prevention is not on the political agenda, only the debate about the introduction of compulsory insurance against natural hazards, criticized the insurer lobbyist.
“Due to climate change and therefore more frequent extreme weather events, billions of dollars in damage are inevitable,” said Käfer-Rohrbach.
According to the data collection, the approximately 323,000 addresses are located in a provisionally secured or officially designated flood area or in so-called flood risk areas.
These buildings are residential, commercial, agricultural or public buildings.
Insurers are calling for preventive measures for buildings in risk areas
The GDV called on the federal government, states and local authorities to promote and adequately finance preventative measures for buildings in risk areas.
Because the compulsory insurance solution required by the federal states alone cannot solve the problem.
“With a pure insurance solution, the necessary costs are largely borne by the property owners and the insured community,” complained Käfer-Rohrbach.
(Reuters, lf)