Fire brigades in German flood areas are sounding the alarm: “If it freezes, we can’t do anything.”

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First came the flood, now comes the frost. The impending weather change, which is also noticeable in Switzerland, threatens the flood areas in Germany with the next catastrophe. In the affected areas in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, temperatures will drop to -5 degrees from Sunday. Bad news for the already affected region.

Because subzero temperatures can cause chaos in the flood areas, writes ‘Bild’. The situation will be particularly bad for those whose homes are still flooded. Hans-Lüder Behrens (61) from the Timmersloh volunteer fire brigade explains to the newspaper: “Frost is much worse than moisture.”

But why? “When the water freezes, it expands. “This is a catastrophe!” says the firefighter. Water can expand up to four inches when frozen. The result: burst pipes, cracks in damp masonry or – in the worst case – serious structural problems.

Firefighters try to save houses

The fire brigade is currently trying to pump out the houses and surrounding areas. But this is only possible if it does not rain and there are sufficient drainage options for the pumped water. It is a race against time, Behrens explains to the newspaper. “If it freezes, it becomes difficult and then we can’t do anything anymore.”

The fire brigade advises residents of the affected areas to protect their buildings from the outside with straw bales or thermal insulation panels, so that the water in the building materials does not freeze due to the cold. It also helps if you run the heating or generate heat with a fireplace or an emergency generator. (chs)

Source: Blick