On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the flood disaster, the MUNV provided an update on the current status and further development of flood protection in NRW.

The report presented breaks down the current status of the implementation of the measures outlined in the 10-point plan. In recent years, the focus of the measures has been on improved reporting channels and an expansion of gauging stations. Furthermore, the statewide flood protection pact was signed in February 2026, with the aim of accelerating the protection of the population, environment and economy through improved cooperation and faster procedures. Regional pacts are currently being developed as part of the state pact, which take a holistic view of flood protection at the regional level. The water management associations in NRW are actively involved in this.

As part of the regional pacts, the risk-based flood protection planning developed by the Flood Commission will be rolled out comprehensively in the future. Furthermore, the state will advocate for the introduction of this approach at the federal level in exchange with the LAWA.

Furthermore, the report argues for a comprehensive renovation and reconstruction of technical flood defence measures, as well as an improvement of the landscape water balance. In addition, a project group for heavy rainfall management was established at the MUNV, which is intended, among other things, to further develop processes and communication structures, utilise synergies between municipal and state-wide strategies, revise the „Municipal Heavy Rainfall Risk Management“ working aid, and further raise the awareness of municipalities on the topic.

Furthermore, the digitisation of funding procedures plays a significant role, which is implemented, among other things, through digital access to the funding programme „Flood Risk Management and Water Framework Directive“.

The AGW, which is represented by two delegates on the flood commission, is calling for faster implementation, significantly more funding, better equipped authorities, and the swift adoption of the amendment to the special laws in connection with the improvement of flood protection in NRW.