Torrential rains cause major flooding across Europe
Profile
Update: June 2003
| Event date |
31 July - 26 August 2002 |
| Affected areas |
Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, Romania, Italy, Spain, Slovakia |
| Fatalities |
100 |
| Economic loss |
> EUR 15 bn |
| Insured loss | approx. 3.2 bn |
Event description
A high altitude low pressure system triggered torrential rainfall in Scotland and northeast England on 31 July. Moving over Europe, the same system generated heavy rainfall in Germany and later near Salzburg and lower and upper Austria on 6 - 8 August. This was followed by intense rainfall over Romania, South Bohemia and the eastern coastal regions of the Black Sea, the latter of which reported the greatest number of fatalities (59). Lower and upper Austria suffered the greatest economic loss: the northern tributaries of the Danube river, especially the Kamp and Krems, wreaked havoc in the Mühlviertel and Waldviertel. On 8 August, meteorologists assured prematurely that the intense rains had ended in Austria. The water levels of small and medium-sized rivers in Austria receded, and no problems were expected along the Danube.
The situation changed rapidly with the development of a second depression. Before moving northeast, it led to heavy rain in northern and central Italy and generated torrential rainfall in upper Bavaria and Niedersachsen on 10 - 11 August. At the same time, northeastern Spain experienced extraordinary rains. On 12 August, the rain reached the already devastated areas in the Salzburger Land, lower and upper Austria, Bavaria, Germany's New Lands and Bohemia, continuing relentlessly until 14 August.
Numerous small and medium-sized rivers in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic flooded immediately. Many of them had already flooded in Austria just a few days before. In response to this second phase of bad weather, the water levels of larger rivers, such as the Moldau, Mulde, Elbe and Danube also began to rise rapidly. Flooding extensive areas at its confluence with the Elbe, the water levels of the Moldau exceeded those of the major flood of 1890 in Prague. Fed by the Moldau and other rivers, the Elbe exceeded the 1845 flood level (8.77 m) in Dresden, hitting a record 9.40 m on 17 August. The towns of Meissen, Torgau, Wittenberg, and Dessau were partially flooded. The Mulde river devastated the town of Grimma and partially flooded Bitterfeld, although the city's large chemical industry has been spared. The Danube affected Regensburg, reached a record water level in Passau and caused numerous problems downstream in Austria. The flood wave finally passed Vienna and Bratislava without major problems.
While flooding abated in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Bavaria during the second week of August, the Elbe was still rising. During the third week of August, water levels receded slowly in Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Brandenburg and further downstream. The peak of the Elbe flood wave passed Hamburg on 25 August without causing any damage. While the water level subsequently receded, it remained high in many areas, exposing saturated dikes to greater pressure for days. In addition to the threat of dam failures, the high groundwater table threatened to “float” buildings, causing severe structural damage.
During the flooding, some 60,000 residents were evacuated in Austria, a total of 200,000 in the Czech Republic and more than 100,000 in Germany's New Lands region alone. Some 4 million residents in Germany have been affected, and 100 fatalities have been reported across the continent.
The number of flood events
From a meteorological and hydrologic standpoint, the August flooding in Europe comprises 2 distinct events which overlap and affect a wide area. These events are distinguished primarily by the movement of the two high altitude low pressure systems which included various local low pressure cells responsible for heavy rainfall and flooding. The first low pressure system started its way over Europe from Scotland on 30 July before dispersing over the Black Sea on 10 August. The second low pressure system moved over Europe on a similar track also starting from Scotland on 6 August prior to dissipating over Ukrania on 15 August. Due to the time it takes flood waves to travel down a river system, a flood event may last longer than the low pressure cell which caused the rainfall and high water.
Economic losses
The floods were exceptional since they affected an extensive area across Europe from the UK to Spain and as far east as the Black Sea coast. Economic losses amounted to EUR 9.2 bn in Germany, EUR 2.9 bn in Austria and EUR 2.3 bn in the Czech Republic. Total economic damage exceeds EUR 15 bn.
Insured loss
The insured loss is substantially lower than the economic loss since flood insurance penetration is generally low and/or sublimited in the affected countries.
The Austrian Insurance Association estimates insured losses at EUR 400 m, of which 85 - 90% is reinsured. One out of two homeowners carries flood insurance, but cover is often limited to the first EUR 5,000 -10,000. In the Czech Republic, insured losses amount to EUR 1.1 bn, of which reinsurers bear 95%. The German Insurance Association estimates insured losses at EUR 1.8 bn.
Swiss Re's loss exposure
Swiss Re's net loss exposure was CHF 204 m.
Further related information
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