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Recovering from the aftermath of recent destructive flooding in Germany will take some time. Adding to the staggering human and economic costs, there may be political repercussions. Flood risks remain high in some regions around Germany after more rainfall over the weekend reports CNBC on Monday, July 19, 2021.
What Has Been Happening?
Regions in Germany — North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland Palatinate — reported having more than 150 people dying, according to the news agency Deutsche Welle reported on Monday, July 19, 2021, because of the extensive flooding. In addition, it said to be even more fatalities across Europe as a whole, and other citizens were missing.
According to some politicians, the violent weather leading to the flood could, in part, be due to climate change. Whereas the German Meteorological Service quoted on Twitter, “with global warming, weather extremes are becoming more violent and arguably more frequent.” Although there is no consensus, it appears excessive flooding could be part of this pattern.
Some officials visited the affected regions and spoke to those impacted through losing their homes, personal items, or even people close to them. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, stopped by Rhineland-Palatinate during the weekend and said that the situation as a whole was “surreal” and “terrifying.” In response to statements about Germany reported by the news agency, Deutsche Welle Merkel stated: “We will stand up to this force of nature, in the short term, but also in the medium and long term … We have to hurry up, we have to speed up the fight against climate change.”
The Cost of Things and Future Precaution
German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz described the weight of destruction due to the flooding as “immense.” He also told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper that a minimum of 300 million euros (aka $353.1 billion) of aid would be given to assist in the nearby term. Furthermore, he agreed to provide billions in addition for “a reconstruction program, so the destroyed houses, roads and bridges are quickly repaired,” according to the paper on Sunday.
Prior to the mass flooding, the German Meteorological Service issued a warning for civilians, but locals did not seem to heed the warning. The “unprecedented” excessive weather would ignite efforts to ensure the region is better prepared moving forward, according to Steven Bowen “the managing director and head of catastrophe insight and impact forecasting at Aon,” said CNBC.
Possible Political Game-Changer
Evaluating the economic and political effect of the mass flooding, with the September federal election in Germany two months away, Carsten Brzeski, “global head of Macro at ING,” stated in a note according to CNBC Monday, “Often, the impact on the total economy stands in no comparison with the human suffering.” He emphasized that “in Germany, it would not be the first time that a natural disaster becomes a political game-changer.” according to a quote on CNBC.
The impact of the mass flooding in Germany has spurred political discussions with climate change involved. Unfortunately, the flooding has also produced faltering human and economic costs. With more preparation and precaution regarding events such as these, there can be fewer fatalities and more civilians and their livelihoods protected.
Written By Ke’Lena Thomas
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Source:
CNBC: Germany mourns after devastating floods which could be a political game-changer; by Holly Ellyatt
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of barnyz’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of willi_bremen’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License