Dispatch from Ahr Valley

January 15, 2025

On July 14th, 2021, Ahr Valley experienced catastrophic flooding. The aftermath of the floods remains etched into the landscape and in the lives of its residents. 

The region, which is located in Rhineland Palatinate state, right across the border from North Rhine-Westphalia state, continues to face challenges with flooding. A flood warning issued the day before our arrival required us to adjust our plans, preventing the use of the main road along the river because of flooding.

The Ahr Valley region is among Germany’s most treasured tourist destinations: lovely small villages dot the river, steep vineyards hug the hills along the river. Tourists enjoy hiking, biking, and tasting the red wine produced by small estates. When we arrived, the hills were covered with light snow—a rare occurrence.

The Ahr Valley region is among Germany’s most treasured tourist destinations: lovely small villages dot the river, steep vineyards hug the hills along the river. Tourists enjoy hiking, biking, and tasting the red wine produced by small estates. When we arrived, the hills were covered with light snow—a rare occurrence.

Our visit to this region revealed a community grappling with recovery while demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild. 

A community changed forever

The 2021 flood brought unimaginable destruction to the Ahr Valley, resulting in over €1.4 billion in damages. More than 130 lives were lost that night and more than 300 additional people died from heart attacks or suicide. 

Rainer Jakobs shared a deeply personal account of loss and recovery. Jacobs is a longtime resident of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, former city council member, and a current deputy community liaison. He described the night when floodwaters surged through their homes claiming lives and destroying over 40,000 vehicles along the Ahr river. Wearing his “We Ahr Family” shirt and with a big smile, Rainier found joy in the compassion expressed by the students.

Navigating challenges in recovery

Three and a half years after the flood, people are still recovering. Infrastructure projects remain unfinished, and some residents face disputes with insurance companies or struggle with family tensions over rebuilding efforts. The Ahr Valley’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, hasn’t fully recovered, as damaged roads and bridges hinder accessibility.

“The solidarity we felt immediately after the flood was incredible,” shared Dominik Gieler, Mayor of Altenahr. But as time passed, challenges arose. The rebuilding process is slower than anticipated and the initial enthusiasm declined. Despite this, the community continues to push forward, with many expressing a commitment to building back stronger and more resilient.

Maximilian Kranich, leading a tour of the Ahr Valley, holds a photo showing the impact of the 2021 flood.

Learning from the disaster

During our visit, we were guided through the region by Maximilian Kranich, a member of the recently founded Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler reconstruction and redevelopment company AuEG. The tour revealed both the physical devastation and resilience embedded in the recovery efforts. Reconstruction projects include building bridges with clearances of one meter above the highest recorded flood level. Regulations ensuring that future infrastructure withstands flooding will be more expensive, and that is a real financial hurdle for the community. Kranich is a believer in the concept of “sponge cities” that can soak up water without harming infrastructure or buildings.

Guido Wallraven, an urban planner specializing in sustainable development, emphasized the importance of foresight “Resilience is also about mindset. The next flood is coming, and we must prepare accordingly.” This preparation includes better communication systems, staying in close contact with neighbors, and upgrading flood alert systems to rely on batteries rather than vulnerable electrical grids.

Resilience in action

During an interactive workshop, led by Wallraven, students brainstormed tangible solutions for climate adaptation and resilience. Ideas ranged from implementing green walls and permeable pavement to improving communication systems and creating natural barriers. Students also shared insights from their communities. Maxwell Thompson, an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, shared how his hometown, Iowa City responded to its 2008 flood by transforming floodplains into park space and non essential infrastructure zones.

A testament to the human spirit

The Ahr Valley’s recovery is a testament to human resilience. Residents are not just rebuilding homes and businesses but reimagining their communities to adapt to future challenges. As Wallraven said, “This is about more than just physical infrastructure. It’s about helping people establish a sense of identity and agency in shaping their future.”

After the students wrapped up the workshops, we had a surprise performance from a group of young girls, ages three to ten, from one of the local carnival clubs. Carnival, a centuries old tradition, consisting of elaborate costumes and joyous dancing, created a sense of lightness and connection. Many students noted the carnival dance as one of their favorite moments of the day.

Reflections and hope

Our time in the Ahr Valley was a sobering reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate related disasters. It also highlighted the power of community, innovation and preparedness in the face of extreme weather events. The resilience of the Ahr Valley is an inspiring example of the challenges and possibilities ahead in adapting to a changing world.