A Comparative Study of the Effects of the 1872 Storm and Coastal Flood Risk Management in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden

From November 12th to 13th in 1872, an extreme coastal flood event occurred the south Baltic Sea. An unusual combination of winds created a storm surge reaching up 3.5 m above mean sea level, which is more than meter higher all other observations over past 200 years. On Danish, German, and Swedish coasts, about 300 people lost their lives. The consequences Denmark Germany were severe Sweden, with significantly larger destruction numbers casualties. In Germany, 1872 has been extensively documented remembered still influences local regional risk awareness. A comparative study indicates that collective memory related background knowledge floods, damage extent, response storm. Flood marks dikes help remember events. general, defence largest degree implemented affected areas followed by Denmark, almost absent corresponding extent Within countries, there variability awareness associated Also, economic dependency on flood-prone conflicting interests tourism industry have influence protection decisions. processes climate change adaptation implementation EU Floods Directive are slowly removing these differences management approaches.