German Border City Braces for Major Flood

Frankfurt an der Oder, a city on the German-Polish border, is on high alert as it prepares for severe flooding. The city has improved its flood defenses since the catastrophic 1997 flood that caused 74 deaths and extensive damage.

Despite these efforts, rising water levels remain a concern. Green Party candidates have criticized the lack of sufficient investment in flood prevention, arguing for more proactive measures such as relocating dikes further from the river.

Town hall spokesman Uwe Meier maintains a calm stance, citing the city's robust preparedness, including emergency shelters and reinforced walls capable of handling various alarm levels. Climate activist Rosa Skiba highlights the need for greater focus on the climate crisis, which she believes contributes to extreme weather events.

As the Oder-Spree district ramps up its flood precautions, residents face potential traffic disruptions and property damage. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to implement further measures as needed.