These findings come from research on the 2021 floods in Western Europe, conducted by climate scientists from the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and published in Communications Earth & Environment.
Learning Across Borders
In July 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands were severely affected by flooding. “Such cross-border disasters highlight the importance of sharing knowledge,” says lead researcher Thijs Endendijk. “We compared experiences in Limburg with those in Germany and Belgium to understand how homeowners recover and how they can better prepare for the future.”
Measures like using water-resistant materials, installing flood barriers, or raising electrical installations can reduce damage. In Limburg, such measures reduced damages by 30–40%. Approaches differ by country: Germans focus on foundations and keeping water out, while the Dutch focus on reducing damage inside the home. For example, many Dutch homeowners relocated boilers and power outlets to higher locations.
Insurance Makes a Difference
Despite national differences, there are also similarities. Good insurance enables faster recovery and encourages homeowners to invest in added protection. “Comprehensive coverage supports both financial recovery and risk reduction,” says Wouter Botzen, professor of climate change and disaster economics at IVM. In every country, there are early adopters who were already well-prepared. Their experiences can serve as inspiration for others.
Interestingly, it is mainly homeowners with limited damage who take protective measures. When damage is extreme (more than 60% of the rebuilding cost), the tendency to relocate becomes stronger. These homeowners often see little point in making additional investments.
Targeted Support Needed
As the climate changes, both floods and droughts are becoming more frequent and more intense. “These disasters don’t stop at borders, which is why international knowledge sharing is crucial. That’s why we’re working more closely with German and Belgian colleagues through the JCAR-ATRACE project,” Endendijk explains. The research shows that policy should not only encourage protective measures but also provide clear information on compensation and recovery. This helps households prepare more effectively and builds community resilience—a hopeful step in the fight against flood risks.
