Haawal flood barrier protected Rinteln during the Christmas floods 2023

Extreme weather put Rinteln at risk

During the Christmas floods of 2023, which affected large parts of Germany, many towns faced the threat of severe flooding.

Rinteln, a small town in Lower Saxony, was among the most vulnerable. To protect the community, the state’s disaster protection warehouse, Niedersachsen Katastrophenschutzlager, supplied Haawal’s mobile flood barrier for rapid local deployment.

1000 meters of Haawal flood barriers

1,000 meters of flood barrier deployed overnight

Concerns were rising that a nearby dam might not withstand the pressure of the floodwaters. If it had failed, a major flood would have hit Rinteln and surrounding areas. Fortunately, Lower Saxony had 1,000 meters of Haawal flood barrier in its emergency stockpile, quickly transported to the town when the danger increased.

Firefighters installing the flood barrier at night

In the middle of the night, the Rinteln fire brigade received the equipment, without prior training or experience. Yet they managed to set up all 1,000 meters efficiently, proving how easy the Haawal flood barrier is to install, even under pressure.

A fast and reliable line of defense

The flood barrier served as a vital line of defense and gave local residents reassurance during critical hours. Fortunately, the dam held, and Rinteln was spared from major flooding.

The event nonetheless showed the importance of being prepared. When the danger passed, the Haawal flood barriers were dismantled, packed on pallets, and returned to the warehouse — ready for the next emergency.

Proven performance for future flood preparedness

With a reliable and rapidly deployable flood barrier system, Lower Saxony is now better equipped for future flood threats. Rinteln’s experience proved how practical design and quick response can make all the difference when floods strike.

Flood barrier fully assembled.