Case study: Effective water management – BERKY Poseidon desludging boat protects against the risk of flooding.
In this case study, we show the use of our BERKY Poseidon to protect against flooding in Madagascar.
Flooding is a regularly occurring natural phenomenon that is part of the global water cycle. When intense rainfall or snowmelt occurs, the water levels in rivers and streams rise. Particularly in densely populated regions, such events can lead to devastating floods due to climate change and more frequent extreme weather events.
Floods have always posed a significant threat to people, property and the environment worldwide, which to this day underlines the importance of flood protection and the urgency of taking appropriate safety measures at an early stage. In addition, heavy rainfall is occurring more and more frequently due to human influences, which significantly increases the risk of flooding.
Flood protection aims to reduce these risks and increase the safety and resilience of affected regions. It is crucial to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of flooding and to emphasize the need for comprehensive protection measures.
Floods are caused by various factors, with heavy rainfall and snowmelt being among the most common causes. These events saturate the ground, causing the excess water to flow into rivers and streams. Coastal areas are also threatened by storm surges caused by strong winds and pressure changes.
River floods occur when rivers carry more water than they can cope with. This can be caused by heavy rainfall, increased amounts of meltwater or additional inflows.
Climate change is significantly increasing the risk and intensity of flooding. More frequent and more intense weather events such as heavier rainfall and snowfall lead to higher water levels in rivers and lakes. Higher temperatures also increase evaporation, which causes additional water to enter water bodies and increases the likelihood of flooding.
Human activities have a significant impact on flood risk. Deforestation and the conversion of natural landscapes into agricultural or urban areas disrupt natural water flows. The construction of buildings in floodplains and inadequate planning increase the risk of flooding. These interventions reduce the environment’s ability to cope with excess water.
The effects of flooding are far-reaching and often devastating. They destroy buildings, infrastructure and agricultural land, endanger human lives and damage important ecosystems. Floods also affect the water supply and encourage the spread of disease. In the long term, they can lead to the resettlement of communities and the alteration of ecosystems.
Sustainable flood prevention includes the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and mangroves, which act as natural barriers. Early warning systems are also crucial in order to be able to react to flood events in good time. Other measures include sustainable construction practices, the greening of sealed surfaces and awareness-raising and education programs to sensitize the population to flood risks.
We make a significant contribution to flood protection and efficient waterway maintenance through specialized machinery and sustainable strategies. Regular waterway maintenance, such as the removal of sediment and excessive vegetation, increases the capacity of waterways and reduces the risk of flooding. This not only prevents rivers from overflowing during heavy rain, but also protects riparian areas from erosion. BERKY’s machines, such as mowing and dredging boats, are specifically designed to efficiently remove sediment and keep waterways safe and navigable. These machines are also environmentally friendly, minimizing the ecological footprint and supporting the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.
In addition, we rely on data-driven approaches, such as the use of GIS and remote sensing technologies, to identify problem areas and carry out targeted maintenance measures. This strategy enables precise and sustainable waterway maintenance that balances the needs of the environment with the need for efficient maintenance. We also promote the use of mechanical methods of vegetation control to minimize the use of chemicals and maintain water quality. This all helps to prevent flooding, protect biodiversity and ensure the safety of navigation.
In many cases, the targeted use of our innovations has significantly mitigated the effects of flood events. Our BERKY machines have helped to control flooding by cleaning and regulating water bodies and minimizing damage.
Our machines such as the BERKY Poseidon 770 and our BERKY NEREUS products have been actively used to protect against flooding on numerous occasions. Municipalities and cities that have integrated BERKY machines report a significant reduction in flood damage. These success stories underline the reliability and added value of the technology in preventive flood protection.
One of the most outstanding examples is the use of the Poseidon dredger in the Ambilobe region of Madagascar. This agricultural region, known for its cocoa and sugar cane cultivation, faces the challenge of seasonal flooding every year. To reduce these problems, canals were built to distribute the water and thus ensure irrigation in the dry season and drainage in the rainy season.
Erosion and heavy rainfall have caused a lot of sand and sediment to enter the canals and rivers. This affects the capacity of the canals and causes water shortages in the dry season. Sediment also settles in the canal and river course, which can affect the shape of the watercourse. The Dredger plays a crucial role by minimizing the risk of flooding through efficient water management and desilting. This technology not only improves water quality, but also stabilizes the ecological conditions of the region.
In this case study, we show the use of our BERKY Poseidon to protect against flooding in Madagascar.
Drainage canal cleaning solution for flood protection and simultaneous extension of the service life of the canals.
Another project demonstrating the effectiveness of Berky technologies is taking place in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. The extensive canal system, which was crucial for regulating the flow of water, has become the focus of flood prevention efforts.
The regular use of modern canal cleaning solutions significantly reduces the risk of flooding in this swampy and flood-prone region. The systematic removal of obstructions ensures an unimpeded flow of water and prevents the accumulation of material at critical points such as locks and bridges.
These projects show how Berky actively contributes to protecting and improving the quality of life in affected areas with innovative solutions.
In summary, flood protection is crucial in the face of increasing risks from climate change and human activity. BERKY machines offer innovative and effective solutions to meet these challenges. Through continuous technological advances and targeted use, these machines can make a significant contribution to ensuring flood protection and management. Overall, we take a holistic approach that not only improves flood protection, but also maximizes the environmental and economic benefits of well-maintained water infrastructure.
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