New documentary revisits Germany's 2021 Ahr Valley flood tragedy
A new documentary will revisit the devastating 2021 Ahr Valley flood, Germany’s deadliest disaster in over six decades. Titled A Day in July, the film will air on ZDF this Tuesday at 8:15 PM—just days before the fifth anniversary of the tragedy. Survivors and their harrowing experiences take centre stage in the retelling. On 14 July 2021, a catastrophic flood struck the Ahr Valley. A ten-metre-high wall of water surged through the region, flattening homes and tearing apart roads. The disaster claimed 136 lives, making it Germany’s worst since the 1962 Hamburg flood.
The documentary weaves together survivor accounts, including those of the Kraatz family and Inka and Ralf Orth. Oliver Grieβ, whose home was destroyed in the deluge, also shares his story. Investigations into the event reveal both the scale of the destruction and the lingering questions about official responses.
Five years later, no senior state politician has publicly apologised for the failures during the crisis. Many residents still grapple with trauma, their lives forever altered by the flood. The film arrives as communities continue to rebuild, both physically and emotionally. By giving voice to survivors, A Day in July ensures their stories are heard ahead of the anniversary. The broadcast will serve as a reminder of the flood’s lasting impact on the Ahr Valley.
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