IQIB and the Sinzig branch of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief are continuing to run the regional disaster management network ‘H-Kat-Net’ under new and joint leadership. At the network’s 7th meeting, stakeholders from emergency services, public administration, academia and industry exchanged views.
7th meeting of the "H-Kat-Net" network at the THW in Sinzig.
Anika Gronwald
By continuing the regional civil protection network ‘H-Kat-Net’, under the new leadership of IQIB in collaboration with the Sinzig branch of the THW, we are making an active contribution to strengthening regional and national civil protection and disaster management activities.
The network was originally established as part of the federal research project “Climate adaptation, flooding, resilience” (“Klima-Anpassung, Hochwasser, Resilienz”, KAHR) and had been put on hold since its conclusion. To ensure that the vital exchange between regional stakeholders once again has a permanent platform, we are now continuing the network in partnership with the THW local branch in Sinzig.
In doing so, IQIB is also addressing national policy objectives, as the importance of continuing the network is underscored by the Civil Protection Pact adopted by the Federal Cabinet on 20 May. This pact provides for closer cooperation between the federal government, the Länder and local authorities, closer integration of civil and military planning, and the strengthening of voluntary work. Up to 2029, the federal government is providing around 10 billion euros for this purpose.
At the network’s 7th meeting, stakeholders from emergency services, government, academia and industry exchanged views at the THW in Sinzig. Against the backdrop of a changing geopolitical landscape, Tom Riedel, the new Inspector for Fire and Disaster Protection for the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, made a strong case for cross-organisational cooperation and uniform standards. In his opening address, he spoke highly of the State Office for Fire and Disaster Protection - which is currently being established - and the state-wide operations centre. Riedel sees his own role as that of a bridge-builder between the various organisations and the political sphere.
7th meeting of the "H-Kat-Net" network at the THW in Sinzig.
Anika Gronwald
As a practical decision-making aid for local authorities, Dr Oliver Buchholz from Hydrotec Ingenieurgesellschaft presented the ‘AhrSure’ early warning system, developed in collaboration with Inframeta eG. The web-based system assesses the entire Ahr catchment area and is designed to help decision-makers avoid the typical dilemma of issuing warnings that are either too early or too late. The application is offered as Software-as-a-Service. The subsequent expert discussion highlighted the great potential that lies in the further expansion of sensor technology and the systematic integration of local practical knowledge – particularly in view of the ongoing hydromorphological changes along the River Ahr.
Timo Wassong from the DLRG Remagen Local Group e.V. provided a practical insight into operational techniques as well as the possibilities and limitations of water rescue. Following the theoretical part, participants had the opportunity to examine typical equipment such as the raft, ropes and other materials at close quarters in the courtyard. In addition, the host organisation - the THW Sinzig local branch - presented its emergency vehicles, introduced the various specialist groups and provided insights into its work.
Following the successful meeting in Sinzig, we look forward to continuing the networking efforts under the joint leadership of IQIB and the THW Sinzig local branch to further strengthen regional coordination in flood disaster management. The next meeting is scheduled for October 2026.
Further information on the KAHR project
Further information on H-Kat-Net