The DRU conducted field research in areas affected by the 2021 flood events in North Rhine Westphalia and Rhineland Palatinate from 18th to 20th of May 2022. The focus of the research was in the district of Eifelkreis/Bitburg/Prüm, the Sahr valley, the Ahr valley and Bad Münstereifel. Discussions were held with various local mayors, the district administrator and disaster management actors as well as those involved in flood relief. Besides a photo documentation of the affected areas, the disaster management center of the district Eifelkreis/Bitburg/Prüm was visited. The data collected will be used to analyze communication processes, especially in the area of warning, as well as governance structures of disaster management and civil protection. The case study will be complemented by further case studies. Since a heavy rain event was announced during the days of the field research, the reactions and possible lessons learned could be followed directly on site.

Image Credit: DRU

Image Credit: DRU

Image Credit: DRU

Image Credit: DRU