Municipality launches citizen participation to improve flood prevention

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Through citizen participation, the city council wants to collect additional data. Collaborating with the Water Management Authority, the city will organise four conferences to inform citizens about potential risks and to gather essential data for a comprehensive study. In response to lessons learned from the recent floods, the municipality has already established a crisis unit responsible for devising plans to ensure swift action in the event of a disaster.

Residents are encouraged to contribute to the ongoing analyses by sharing valuable information such as photographs and specific details about water levels in their homes. The insights and experiences provided by residents are crucial for a more nuanced analysis of specific areas. Jean-Claude Ralinger, the head of the crisis unit, emphasises, "We already have an overview of the risks, but thanks to the public's participation, we want to take our analysis even further."

Identifying flood-prone areas is a key focus, with informational meetings scheduled to address this aspect. Helder Martins, the manager of the Luxembourg City Sewerage Department, stresses the importance of residents being informed about potential flooding risks to better prepare themselves. Knowledge of possible risks allows residents to take proactive measures, such as acquiring pumps or sandbags, to minimise potential damage.

The municipality of Luxembourg City has equipped itself with essential resources for emergencies like this. In addition, vulnerable areas, including the entire Alzette valley, Place Dargent in Eich, specific locations in Cloche d'Or, and Gasperich, have been identified. While precise capacities for rehousing residents remain unspecified, Ralinger asserts that the city has enough cultural centres and sports halls that can be adapted in times of crisis.

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