The extreme rainfall of the last few days has led to various rivers and water retention systems in the Steinfurt district being full and in some cases overflowing.
Current focal points include Rheine, Emsdetten, Greven and Lotte. Emergency services from the fire department, police, rescue service, administration and various aid organizations such as THW and DLRG have been battling the floods since Christmas Eve.
In view of the current situation, the Steinfurt district’s emergency services are urging people to
- to avoid affected areas at all costs and to drive around them as far as possible,
- not to “explore” flooded roads and paths,
- not to go into or onto bodies of water or other flooded areas under any circumstances. There is an acute danger to life!
- not to stay in basements or underground garages when there is a risk of flooding,
- follow the instructions of the local emergency services.
The current weather situation can be found in the local media. Further information and instructions can also be found in the NINA warning app.
[Text: Press Office District of Steinfurt]
CURRENT SITUATION IN Rheine:
2.23 p.m. – The Falkenhof Museum is closed until further notice; the streets Thiemauer and Tiefe Straße are closed.
2.23 pm – The Mühlenstraße is partially flooded. Big packs have already been set up by the TBR and THW. Further big packs are currently being added as the water is currently rising.
Further rain is forecast for the next 36 hours. The river levels will continue to rise accordingly. The fire department Rheine, the city, the technical services and the THW are keeping an eye on the situation and are working hard to protect the city center from further flooding.
Due to the flooding of the Ems, some roads and farm tracks around Rheine are already closed. The city is therefore urging all citizens to adhere to the closures. As neither paths nor roads are visible due to the water, there is an increased risk of accidents in this area! Forests should also be avoided, as the over-wet ground and the predicted winds mean that trees are no longer stable and could therefore fall over.
If you have an emergency, you can still call 112!