On February 7, 2024, our partners Deltares and RWTH Aachen held an expert workshop on ‘Joint preparation for extreme flooding in the Rur basin area’. The event proved to be a significant success. Bringing together experts and stakeholders, it featured engaging discussions and insightful presentations, particularly highlighting the critical aspects of flood protection and climate change adaptation.
Dr.-Ing Gerd Demny from Wasserverband Eifel-Rur (WVER) opened the event with a keynote on the functioning of the Rur river system, discussing the impacts of climate change and lessons learned from the 2021 floods. The session delved into improving flood protection measures, cross-border flood management opportunities, and conducting a hydrological stress test for the Rur river system. The discussion revealed that three retention basin locations have been identified and are currently in the approval process, with the two larger basins expected to be completed by 2028.
Following this, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Schüttrumpf from RWTH Aachen University introduced the JCAR ATRACE programme, outlining future challenges and opportunities for the Rur river basin. The plenary discussion addressed how our programme can support flood measure quantification and explore additional projects, such as translating thresholds between countries and evaluating the winter 2023/2024 high water.
The day concluded with a tour of the Rur dam, where participants were provided detailed explanations of the control system. This practical demonstration was a highlight, showcasing the technological advancements and operational strategies in place to manage water resources effectively. The high level of engagement and the collaborative spirit throughout the workshop underscored the importance of joint efforts in enhancing regional resilience against climate-related challenges.
