Germany’s cities are setting new standards for flood resilience

From real-life training to proven protection, this is how Haawal helps communities stay ready.

When floods threaten, every minute counts. Across Germany, cities are taking proactive steps to protect people, property, and infrastructure, and Haawal’s mobile flood barrier system is helping them get there faster.

Attaching the membrane – Gera training in action

This autumn, Haawal joined two large-scale flood protection exercises: one in Niedersachsen, hosted by the State Fire and Disaster Protection Training Centre (NLBK) in Celle, and another in Gera (Thuringia), led by the local fire department. Both events gathered emergency teams, municipal authorities, and volunteers to train how to act fast and effectively when floods strike.

Training together to strengthen flood preparedness

Flood preparedness is built on collaboration. During both exercises, Haawal’s founders Kristian and Øystein, together with German flood protection specialist Patrick, worked directly with participants demonstrating how quickly the Haawal Flood Barrier can be deployed.

Firefighters training to deploy the Haawal Flood Barrier in Niedersachsen.

Haawal’s goal has always been simple: develop a system so intuitive that 100 meters can be assembled in one hour. In Germany, the teams exceeded that — setting up 100 meters in less than an hour, even with first-time users.

“We started the day with neutral expectations and ended up positively surprised by how interesting and valuable the system proved to be.

It was clear that you truly stand behind your brand — and the way you presented and guided the session was simply excellent.”

— Marvin Frost, Deputy Unit Leader Logistics Group North, District Fire Brigade of Diepholz.

Haawal Flood Barrier set up in a curve during the Gera exercise.

Fast, flexible, and reliable flood protection

During the training, Haawal’s system proved its unique flexibility, adapting seamlessly to uneven terrain and changing ground conditions — a challenge for most traditional barriers. Once installed, it formed a solid, watertight defense that can be removed, cleaned, and reused again and again.

This combination of speed, reusability, and compact storage makes Haawal the preferred flood protection system for fire brigades and emergency services across Europe.

Haawal Flood Barrier used as a temporary water basin.

More than flood protection – built for real emergencies and flood resilience

In Niedersachsen, participants also used Haawal’s system to build a temporary water basin, creating a functional firefighting water reservoir within minutes.

This demonstrated that Haawal’s flood barriers go far beyond flood defense, offering multi-purpose emergency protection for fires, water supply, and disaster response.

Temporary water basin – used as a firefighting water reservoir or emergency water depot during wildfires.

Proven performance under real conditions

Haawal’s mobile flood barriers continue to prove that simplicity, speed, and reliability form the foundation of real resilience.

“Every exercise teaches us something new. Seeing our system in action and how quickly people master it, confirms that our approach works,”

— Øystein Blix Walderhaug, co-founder of Haawal

Whether protecting a small town or an entire city, Haawal delivers proven, trusted flood protection — ready when floods strike.