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The remains of the broken cliff can be seen on the beach of Cape Arkona

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At the northern tip of Rügen, the effects of the Baltic Sea storm surge are still clearly visible: At Cape Arkona, the cliffs have broken off on a broad front. "That's at least 100 meters," said Andreas Heinemann, head of the local tourism company. Schwerin's Minister of the Environment, Till Backhaus, warned: "I strongly advise against walks on the steep banks, whether on the cliff edges or below the cliffs."

According to Heinemann, even signs do not stop some people from staying below the active cliff. "It's just always been dangerous." On Rügen's cliffs there are always emergencies. In December 2011, a ten-year-old girl died after a cliff crash on the other side of Cape Arkona.

Heinemann estimates the volume of recent demolitions at around 15,000 cubic metres. However, this is difficult to say after looking from the side. "That's a huge breakdown." The flood had attacked the cliff. "Then it's undermined and at some point it breaks down from above." He expects further cancellations.

According to its own statements, Backhaus' ministry was also informed that the storm surge had uncovered ammunition remnants on the Baltic Sea beach in the area of the Riedensee nature reserve near Kühlungsborn and Bastorf. People should avoid this area. Those responsible would take care of the rescue.

"That's the natural coastal dynamics"

The minister emphasized that the country's coastal defenses have all held up and are also well equipped for future events. In some sections, however, it was necessary earlier than planned. Some dikes, which are not part of the country's coastal protection systems, for example to protect agricultural land, have been overflowed and damaged. According to the assessment of the Ministry of the Environment, however, there was no danger to residential buildings or a relevant number of outbuildings.

Heinemann explained that the demolitions elsewhere in turn support the preservation of beaches. The demolitions had already shaped Rügen in the past. "That's the natural coastal dynamic." This can be influenced, for example, with fastenings. But this does not achieve anything good.

bbr/dpa