Flood protection for Obwalden: New mobile dike system introduced!

Flood protection for Obwalden: New mobile dike system introduced!

Today, June 13, 2025, the canton of Obwalden received a mobile dike system from Mobiliar Versicherung, which was ceremoniously handed over in Sarnen. This innovative system represents a significant advance in flood protection and is used to flexibly manage flood events. It includes a container with 400 meters of dyke elements and associated accessories, with each dyke element being 33 meters long and stored on rollers. This enables a quick and effective response to impending floods.

During the handover, government councilor Christoph Amstad emphasized the importance of this system for flood protection in Obwalden. “With this mobile dike system, we gain new flexibility in flood prevention and disaster control,” said Amstad. Since 2005, Mobiliar has supported over 170 prevention projects in Switzerland and invested a total of 43 million francs, which underlines the company's commitment to climate protection and risk reduction.

Innovative system technology

The mobile dike system not only offers the possibility of connecting the elements to form larger dikes, but can also be used as a floating barrier in the water. Engineer Heinz Aeschlimann, as co-developer of the system, will conduct training on practical application to ensure that the emergency services are optimally prepared.

A total of 24 mobile dike systems will be distributed in Switzerland by the end of 2025, with Obwalden now receiving its 21st system. Another advantage of this technology is the tailor-made sealing tarpaulin, which has significant importance for the hose size of the system. It prevents water from penetrating under the module hoses and thus ensures a high level of stability, which is particularly important in order to avoid dangerous tidal waves that can arise if there is inadequate protection.

Combined security solutions

The flood protection system from MOBILDEICH offers a total of three coordinated safety components. Unlike systems without a sealing tarpaulin, which can float and slip away from 60-80% water retention, the robust and fabric-reinforced sealing tarpaulin ensures stability even when floodwaters rise. This technology ensures the highest possible stability and allows users to put together their own protective wall individually.

Mobiliar is also involved in the “Mobiliar Lab for Natural Risks” at the University of Bern to research flood hotspots and promote further developments in the area of ​​flood protection. These investments and initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to improve flood protection in Switzerland and protect the population from the effects of extreme weather events.

For more information about the flood protection system and the possibilities it offers, visit the pages of Lucerne newspaper and MOBILE DICH.