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Barrier beacons stand in front of an entrance to the dike of the Hunte: prepared for the worst case
Photo: Hauke-Christian Dittrich / dpa
Due to the flooding, Oldenburg is also preparing for the possibility that the dike will no longer be able to withstand the water pressure. In case of emergency, a procedure has been prepared for a targeted dike opening on the Hunte, if necessary also by blasting, it was said by the city in Lower Saxony.
The emergency services in Oldenburg are prepared for a possible so-called relief opening of a dike, said a spokesman for the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior. This was intended to protect residential areas in case the water pressure became too high.
According to the city, there are currently two scenarios. In the first, an excavator ready for use around the clock is to dig an emergency opening in the dike to drain the water into the Osternburg Canal. However, if the dike is too soaked by the water and can no longer be driven on by the excavator, a targeted blasting could be carried out in the area.
All measures are constantly coordinated with the Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Protection and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) and other responsible authorities. A fire department spokesman said, according to NDR, the option of a blast is currently very unlikely.
bbr/dpa