Flood risk in Simbach: Expensive insurance on the rise!

Flood risk in Simbach: Expensive insurance on the rise!

On June 1, 2016, Simbach am Inn in Lower Bavaria experienced a devastating flash flood caused by heavy rain. Within just five minutes the water was on the first floor of the houses. This natural disaster tragically claimed the lives of five people and left a trail of devastation. Driftwood and mud turned the place into a scene of destruction. A total of seven people drowned during the disaster. These tragic events remain deeply in the memory of local residents, reports BR24.

Five years later, in spring 2021, residents reflected on their experiences and the lessons they learned from this terrible time. Part of the area that was flooded at the time is now being renatured in order to create retention areas for the Simbach. This represents an important step in the effort to prevent future flooding, while at the same time Simbach has less development compared to other Bavarian municipalities, making it an exception.

Growing risks and insurance

The disaster of 2016 not only shaped human destinies, but also influenced the way flood insurance is dealt with. Statistics from the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Spatial Development show that in 86 of 96 Bavarian districts the settlement load in flood areas increased between 2006 and 2023. New roads and buildings have been constructed in these areas, increasing vulnerability to future flood events.

Currently, only about every second house in Bavaria is insured against natural damage such as floods. The General Association of Insurers points out that insurance premiums in flood areas are often very high. Insuring a 150 square meter house with photovoltaics on the roof in an area not at risk of flooding costs around 116 euros per year. However, in extremely flood-prone areas, this premium can be over 1,900 euros - more than fifteen times the price in less risky zones.

Regulations and obligations

The federal government plans to increase the insurance rate in risk areas by requiring insurers to offer a natural hazard component. However, homeowners are not obliged to accept the offer. The price variations and increased risk continue to pose challenges going forward, as many residents may be unable or unwilling to insure themselves against these risks.

The memories of the flood disaster of 2016 remain alive both in the hearts of those affected and in political decisions. The hope is that improvements in safety planning and insurance regulations may be able to avert such tragedies in the future as Simbach am Inn continues to deal with the consequences of the past.