Climate Tagesschau
The federal and state governments practice crisis management during heat waves
45 degrees in the shade and that after several years of drought. This fictional scenario is the basis for the exercise by ten federal states and 20 federal authorities. The goal: Germany should be responsible for such a catastrophe
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The federal and state governments practice crisis management. What if it was very hot for a long time? As of: November 4, 2026 • 12:06 p.m
45 degrees in the shade and that after several years of drought. This fictional scenario is the basis for the exercise by ten federal states and 20 federal authorities. The goal: Germany should be prepared for such disasters.
It is the largest, comprehensive disaster control exercise in Germany. As of today, almost 180 organizations are practicing under the name LÜKEX 26, including 20 federal authorities, 60 ministries in the federal states, as well as 80 other federal, municipal and aid organizations. The “Heat and Drought” exercise will take place until November 6th.
The exercise scenario assumes that five years of drought have already had a massive impact on people, nature and the economy in Germany. A heat wave of up to 45 degrees is exacerbating the situation. Now the crisis teams have to make decisions about which strategic measures should be taken to protect the population. The focus is on simulation games in the crisis teams - there is no practical component.
According to the DWD, the summer reached “dimensions that have never been observed in Germany before”. more
The exercise is coordinated by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). Its task is to ensure that the federal, state and all other partners in Germany are prepared for any crises, says BBK President Grit Tüngler.
The aim of the LÜKEX exercise series - which stands for "cross-state and interdepartmental crisis management exercise" - has been to improve cooperation at all levels for more than 20 years. Only "those who practice together can act more quickly in an emergency - and better protect the people in our country," says Tüngler.
Heat waves can quickly become life-threatening for vulnerable groups. Very young and older people as well as pregnant women in particular suffer from high temperatures and are therefore at risk to their health. The health system could quickly become overloaded.
This topic in the program: NDR Info | News | November 4, 2026 | 8:30 a.m