Flood Risk Reduction—What Are the Priorities? The Perspective of Private Households After the Ahr Flood of 2021

Abstract

Severe flooding, induced by heavy rainfall in Central and Western Europe in July 2021, particularly affected the Ahr Valley in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Since flood preparedness and prevention of private households play a crucial role in the risk management cycle and in terms of climate adaptation, a household survey was conducted in the county of Ahrweiler in the aftermath of the disaster to examine the perceptions and actions of private households after such a disaster with regard to flood prevention. We have found that public information, communication, and education play a crucial role for improving flood prevention of private households. Furthermore, we were able to identify approaches for improved flood prevention, also in terms of spatial planning. In addition, we examined enabling factors for the implementation of flood risk reduction measures, where information and assistance from public authorities play a prominent role. Overall, the respondents expect a great amount of state support, both financially and in terms of information. Our results can help public authorities to improve their own flood prevention as well as the flood preparedness of citizens.