Kluter's Flood Protection Measures Pass Real-World Test
Kluter, a district of Detmold, has weathered its third once-in-a-century heavy rain event in just three years. Thanks to proactive flood protection measures, the town emerged relatively unscathed.
The recent storm brought rainfall far exceeding what's typically expected in a century. However, the town's flood protection systems, designed by engineer Andreas Hoffmann and implemented under Mayor Frank Hilker's leadership, proved their worth. Ditch dam systems, water guidance measures, and emergency overflow canals worked in tandem to hold back and direct rainwater, preventing further damage.
Despite the intense rainfall, the newly constructed sheet pile wall near Düner Straße did not overflow due to the retention in the area. The fire brigade attended to incidents caused by high-pressure groundwater or malfunctioning backflow preventers in some houses, but the overall impact was significantly mitigated.
Looking ahead, plans involve expanding emergency overflow canals and building additional ditch dam systems with retention basins. While no specific plans for Kluter in 2026 were found, Mayor Hilker and Engineer Hoffmann attribute the successful protection to the implemented measures and increased climate change awareness. The flood protection measures in Kluter passed their first real stress test on June 14th, demonstrating the town's resilience and preparedness.
