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Flooding crisis continues to impact Vejle residents and businesses

Saturday 5th 2024 on 14:04 in  
Denmark

Last week, Katrine Caroline Christiansen experienced a devastating situation in her apartment in central Vejle, where she was confronted with 30 centimeters of foul sewage water flooding her living space—her home was warm and dry just 20 minutes prior. This marks the second time in seven months that her apartment has been affected by severe flooding, which has become a significant psychological strain. Each rain prompts anxiety about the possibility of another flood.

While an industrial dehumidifier runs in the background, Christiansen is reconsidering how to arrange her furniture and belongings to mitigate damage if water intrudes again. Though she has contemplated relocating, she believes that isn’t a viable solution, emphasizing, “It can’t be that we all just have to move because we can’t control the water in Vejle.”

Nearby, Brian Killebækgaard, owner of Fri BikeShop, is also closely monitoring weather forecasts and high water levels as he faces similar challenges. After last weekend’s rain caused water once again to rise over the shop floor, Killebækgaard expressed the mental strain it places on himself and his staff. To combat this issue, he is investing 180,000 kroner in flood barriers from Germany to secure doors and windows.

The responsibility for managing floodwaters in the city rests with Vejle Municipality, but officials admit that it is a heavy challenge. Mayor Jens Ejner Christensen has urged for state involvement and better investment opportunities for waste management companies in climate adaptation efforts. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke has indicated that consumers should contribute to the costs associated with climate protection measures, with the state potentially supplementing these efforts.

Source 
(via dr.dk)