A Vb weather situation developed in early August, causing extraordinary precipitation in the Danube and Elbe catchments. Especially in the Ore Mountains, rainfalls exceed the worst expectations. The Danube area suffers from heavy flooding, but the real disaster occurs in the Elbe catchment. Flash floods in Saxony and the Czech Republic cause heavy damage and kill several people. In the aftermath the Elbe gauges show record breaking water levels not known for centuries. Particularly Dresden is struck by the flood waters. Even after the peak of the event between August 15th an August 20th, the situation remains critical. Not before early September authorities can give the all-clear. The flood in August 2002 is one of the worst natural disasters in Germany. It killed 20 people and caused economical losses of about 9,2 billion Euros.

In order to obtain more cartographic information on this event, please click on the Elbe catchment area in the map (JavaScript required).