Even one month later, traces of the floods remain clearly visible in Echternach and it has become evident that it will still take some time before life returns to normal. The Sûre caused significant damages in the area.
Several businesses and restaurants remain closed for the time being. Important equipment was destroyed in many cases, which means that the main tourist season will mostly be spent renovating. Additional problems are caused by the delivery shortages from the pandemic.
A total of 230 residents were evacuated on 15 July. Some of them have not yet been able to return to their homes, Mayor Yves Wengler conveyed. Similarly, the municipality itself suffered significant damages during the floods: "Estimated costs are between €5 and €6 million. Our sport infrastructure was destroyed and we still have to think about how local children can return to their schools in September."
There is however good news when it comes to the water purification plant, as most of the elemental functions are working again. Mayor Wengler noted that even though floods cannot be avoided altogether, local countermeasures still have to be improved. He further expressed gratitude for the numerous donations that the municipality received via the hotline. A total of €220,000 came in.
A bit further down the Sûre, the municipality of Rosport-Mompach presents a similar picture. Businesses and private homes were destroyed by the floods, and some do not seem to have a clear perspective on if and when they can reopen. In some cases, people were not insured against floods and have to deal with the situation themselves.
The local camping, for instance, was completely destroyed. Councilwoman Stéphanie Weydert commented: "The site did not stand a chance and had to be closed for the foreseeable future. We now have to decide on how to tackle the problem as a municipality."
Lessons will certainly be drawn from the events on 15 July. All new construction projects in the area will be checked to see if they conform to flood regulations.
Similar as in Echternach, local officials are happy to see the country's solidarity in face of this new crisis. 27 other municipalities sent people over to help, and even private citizens showed up.
