Floods in Luxembourg: what measures is the State taking?

Prime Minister Luc Frieden as well as the ministers of environment, interior, finance, family and agriculture have responded to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Sven Clement on flood control.

The authorities use three key strategies: prevention, protection and avoidance. New construction projects are checked to see if the site will increase the risk of flooding, and subsidies are provided to owners of existing buildings for individual protection.

In recent years, dams and retention basins have been built in Diekirch, Angelsdorf, Echternach and Stein. Risk maps for 17 rivers have been developed to warn citizens of possible floods and help city services to prepare in advance.

If the flood is recognised as an emergency, victims can receive up to 75% of the damage compensation. Payments are available for residential homes (up to €20,000), apartment complexes (€45,000) and businesses (€75,000). Owners can also apply for financial support for urgent repairs and basic necessities.

If damage is caused by river flooding, even farmers receive assistance - they are compensated for crop losses, damaged farm buildings and equipment.

The government analyses data on each flood to improve the protection system. In 2020, the National Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction was established, and in 2022, the Resilient Communities working group was set up to discuss infrastructure protection measures.

Despite frequent floods in Europe, Luxembourg is still one of the most protected countries. According to a study by EIOPA (European Insurance Office), the level of coverage for natural catastrophe risks in the country remains high.