Flood alarm in the Ahr Valley: New bridge and Michelin stars shine!

Flood alarm in the Ahr Valley: New bridge and Michelin stars shine!

Today, June 18, 2025, the Rhineland-Palatinate Climate Protection Minister Katrin Eder (Greens) presented the update of the revised **Seven-Point Plan for Flood Prevention** in Mainz. This plan was drawn up in the wake of the devastating flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in July 2021, in which 135 people died. The aim of the plan is to improve flood prevention and disaster protection in the region.

In addition to the flood prevention measures, the **new wine-growing bridge** was inaugurated in Dernau today, which restores a centrally important connection between the two sides of the Ahr. This bridge was destroyed during the flood disaster and is a symbolic step towards the reconstruction of the region. Cornelia Weigand, who was previously mayor of Altenahr and is now district administrator of the Ahrweiler district, has worked intensively for the sustainable reconstruction of the region. She emphasizes that timely warnings and better civil protection could have mitigated the catastrophic consequences.

Improvements in disaster prevention

Since the flood, the Ahrweiler district has announced that water restoration measures will be taken to widen the river bed and create areas to absorb water. Among other things, 87 digital sirens were installed to warn the population of floods. Weigand is also planning an information center that will focus on flood and disaster protection.

The Rhineland-Palatinate government is also working on a reform of disaster control to support schools and municipalities in drawing up alarm and operational plans. A new office for fire and disaster control was set up in Koblenz to better monitor dangers and provide early warning.

Current events

In other recent news, toxic chlorine gas was released at the Mayen swimming pool, leading to the immediate closure of the area. However, initial measurements by the fire department did not show any increased concentration of the hazardous substance in the air. Local police remained on site to monitor the situation.

In addition, a 59-year-old motorcyclist in the Bernkastel-Wittlich district was rescued after falling in the forest. Thanks to the sounds of an approaching helicopter, he was able to guide the rescue workers to his rescue location. This happy rescue is further evidence of the importance of quick action by emergency services in emergencies.

Gastronomy award

Another bright spot of the day is the publication of the **Michelin Guide 2025**. Two restaurants were awarded **three stars**: the **Waldhotel Sonnora** in Dreis and the **Schanz. Restaurant** in Piesport. In addition, two restaurants received **two stars** and others received **star** for the first time. These awards highlight the high quality and commitment of gastronomy in Rhineland-Palatinate.