Last weekend, storm "Detlef" left its mark on the island of Borkum. With wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h and an onshore current, water levels rose significantly, sometimes reaching two meters above normal high tide. Nordseeheilbad Borkum GmbH assessed the damage over the weekend and repaired it as weather-dependently as possible.

"The combination of the storm and the rising water level has severely impacted our beach infrastructure," explains Thomas Schröder, head of the beach maintenance department. The loop paths, which provide access via the south beach and the "Ronde Plate" dune ridge during the season, are particularly affected. While the loop path on the "Ronde Plate" dune ridge could be dismantled before the weekend, this was not possible on the south beach. "The path on the south beach is made of plastic, not wood. Therefore, the loop paths can only be moved with a wheel loader. We would have had to start dismantling several days before the storm to have everything cleared away," explains Schröder.

"Our goal is to keep the tourist infrastructure on the beach as long as possible to give guests that special holiday feeling even during the fall break. Dismantling it in September isn't really an option, especially given the year-round guest contribution," adds Tourism Director Pia Hosemann.

Naturally, the NBG is also keeping a critical eye on the development of beach erosion at the Ostland dunes and thus on the safeguarding of the freshwater lens for our drinking water supply. The measuring point in the beach area in front of the edge dunes in Ostland was exposed due to the effects of the storm.

According to initial estimates, this represents a loss of elevation of approximately one meter. This is an indication of the ongoing reduction in the sections in front of the protective dunes. NBG Managing Director Axel Held: "We need to have serious, results-oriented discussions with the authorities on this issue."

After an initial damage assessment, it has been determined that none of the Loopdeelen paths can be rebuilt this fall. "We have also identified height losses of over one meter on the black revetment on the beach. Restoring the path is no longer possible this season," says Thomas Schröder. An inventory of the remaining materials was also required on the south beach. Reconstruction would require more than a week of work – with the end of the season approaching and the subsequent regular dismantling. Therefore, the infrastructure will not be brought to the beach somewhat earlier than usual this year. "We ask our guests and islanders for their understanding for this difficult decision," emphasizes Pia Hosemann.

"Storm Detlef has clearly shown us that extreme weather events can now occur even outside of the traditional fall and winter season. Naturally, we strive to continuously adapt our workflows to respond even better to changing weather conditions. The protection of guests, employees, and our island is our top priority," summarizes NBG Managing Director Raphael Warnecke. No definitive estimate of the extent of the damage can be made at this time.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, Nordseeheil-bad Borkum GmbH is looking forward to a continued relaxing autumn for all guests, who can now enjoy the special naturalness and tranquility of the island in the off-season.